Manchester City have launched a surprise pursuit of Valencia midfielder Pepelu as they seek to fill the void left by Rodri’s season-ending injury. The Premier League champions have identified the Spanish midfielder as an ideal replacement for their Ballon d’Or-winning defensive midfielder, with City’s scouting department conducting extensive assessments of the Valencia captain’s capabilities.
According to reports from FootballTransfers, City’s interest in Pepelu represents a strategic move to maintain their midfield stability following Rodri’s devastating injury setback. The 24-year-old Spanish midfielder has emerged as a key figure at Valencia since his modest €5 million transfer from Levante in 2023, making 52 appearances and frequently wearing the captain’s armband for the La Liga outfit.
Despite having a €100 million (£83 million) release clause in his contract, which runs until 2028, Pepelu is viewed as a potentially cost-effective solution for City’s midfield crisis. The substantial fee represents a significant markup from Valencia’s initial investment, but it remains within the financial reach of the Premier League champions, who have demonstrated their willingness to spend heavily on key targets.
Pepelu’s rapid rise at Valencia has not gone unnoticed at the international level, with the midfielder already receiving call-ups to the Spanish national team, though he has yet to make his senior debut. His experience with Spain’s youth teams and his commanding performances in La Liga have convinced City’s scouts of his ability to adapt to the demands of Premier League football.
The timing of City’s interest is particularly significant given their current predicament. Rodri’s injury has left a considerable gap in Pep Guardiola’s midfield, with the Spanish international’s absence already impacting the team’s performances. The search for a replacement has become increasingly urgent as City look to maintain their competitive edge across all competitions.
What makes Pepelu an attractive option for City is his playing style, which shares similarities with Rodri’s technical proficiency and tactical awareness. His ability to control the tempo of matches and contribute both defensively and in build-up play aligns well with Guardiola’s tactical requirements. The Valencia captain’s leadership qualities and experience in Spanish football also suggest he could adapt quickly to City’s system.
The potential transfer represents a significant opportunity for both clubs. For Valencia, the possibility of securing a substantial profit on their initial investment could prove tempting, particularly given their recent history of selling key players to balance their books. For City, acquiring a player of Pepelu’s caliber could help maintain their competitive edge as they pursue honors across multiple fronts.
However, any potential move would need to overcome several hurdles. Valencia’s strong negotiating position, backed by the player’s long-term contract and substantial release clause, means City would likely need to make a significant financial commitment to secure his services. Additionally, convincing Valencia to part with their captain mid-season could prove challenging, regardless of the financial incentives offered.
As City continue their assessment of Pepelu, the midfielder remains focused on his responsibilities at Valencia, with his next appearance scheduled against Rayo Vallecano this weekend. His performances in these matches will be closely scrutinized by City’s scouting team as they weigh up the potential investment.
The pursuit of Pepelu reflects City’s proactive approach to squad management and their willingness to look beyond the obvious candidates when strengthening their squad. Whether this interest develops into a concrete transfer move in January could have significant implications for both clubs’ seasons and the player’s career trajectory.
