Man City have been watching £177k-a-week midfielder who once claimed he’s better than Rodri – report
Manchester City suffered a very serious injury blow earlier this season.
Specifically, after being forced off the pitch in the first half of his first Premier League start of the campaign, Rodri’s season came to an end after damaging his ACL in City’s 2-2 draw against Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium.
Even though the January transfer window is only a couple of months away from opening, some behind-the-scenes details have come to light regarding a midfielder the Manchester club have had their eyes on who may be available to sign in the summer.
Man City eyeing Hakan Calhanoglu amid uncertain Inter Milan future
According to a recent report from Caught Offside, City are keeping an eye on Hakan Calhanoglu’s situation at Inter Milan after having inquired about the midfielder previously.
The report claims that Bayern Munich are eyeing a potential transfer move for the Turkey international, who apparently would be open to a new challenge in the summer, with Inter open to selling him for a fee of around €45m (£37m).
Calhanoglu ranked himself above Rodri
Back in February, Calhanoglu ranked himself as the best midfielder in the world, putting Rodri in second place above Toni Kroos, Joshua Kimmich and Enzo Fernandez (via Gazzetta dello Sport).
This then led to Rodri responding to Calhanoglu and his midfield ranking, saying this on the matter.
He said: “What can I say? It’s his opinion, I respect it. I’m not here to judge who’s the best and who’s not the best. You guys are more professional to analyse that, or the fans.
“I just want to be the best version of myself. I think he’s a great player. I don’t want to say who’s better. I want to be the best, that’s why I perform. but I don’t want to do a ranking!”
Since then, Rodri has won the Ballon d’Or.
At the age of 30, the £177k-a-week (via Capology) midfielder has scored 118 goals and delivered 123 assists in 526 senior club matches for sides such as Inter, AC Milan and Bayer Leverkusen among others.
Moving forward, assuming Calhanoglu would not likely be sold in January, it’d be interesting to see whether City consider him a viable transfer target in the summer given his age and the fact that they will be welcoming Rodri back from his injury next season.
