Manchester City view Aleksandar Pavlovic, the Bayern Munich midfielder, as a potential successor to Rodri.
Despite being under contract at the Allianz Arena until 2029, Pavlovic has been identified by Pep Guardiola and his coaching staff as someone with not only the pedigree but also the personality to eventually replace the Ballon d’or winner in their engine room.
Rodri, who was named the best player in the world in 2024, is being eased back into action by Guardiola following a lengthy injury lay-off which coincided with City’s worst run of results under the Catalan last term.
That slump in form not only served to remind the club’s hierarchy of the Spain international’s importance at the Etihad Stadium but prompted them to accelerate the search for a talent capable of superseding him.
Pavlovic, who despite only turning 20 in May has already been capped five times by Germany, is understood to be among those under consideration – particularly as Guardiola’s employers possess the financial wherewithal to tempt Bayern to the negotiating table.
