Manchester City is considering Torino midfielder Samuele Ricci as a potential replacement for Rodri.
City Eyeing Rodri Replacement as Injury Crisis Deepens
Manchester City are reportedly considering a move for Torino midfielder Samuele Ricci following the devastating news that Rodri will miss the remainder of the season due to injury. The Spaniard’s absence is a significant blow to Pep Guardiola’s side as they aim to defend their Premier League title.
According to *The Mirror*, City could make their move for Ricci when the transfer window reopens in January. The report highlights the impact of Rodri’s injury, which occurred during the intense 2-2 draw against Arsenal. His absence was felt acutely in the subsequent 1-1 stalemate against Newcastle, where Guardiola was forced to field Mateo Kovacic, Rico Lewis, and Ilkay Gundogan. Unfortunately, the trio struggled to replicate Rodri’s quality in midfield.
Ricci, a 23-year-old talent, has emerged as one of the most sought-after midfielders in Europe, playing a pivotal role in Torino’s surprising ascent to the top of Serie A this season. With 65 appearances and three goals to his name, he could be the ideal candidate to fill the void left by Rodri.
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Moshiri Set for Major Financial Loss Following Everton Sale
Farhad Moshiri is poised to incur a staggering financial loss after agreeing to sell Everton to the Friedkin Group. The deal, which will see Moshiri pocket an initial £25 million, falls significantly short of the hundreds of millions he has invested in the club over the years.
*The Telegraph* reports that Moshiri, the majority shareholder, is awaiting Premier League ratification for the sale of his 94.1% stake. This comes after a dramatic drop in the club’s valuation, largely due to the mounting debts accrued during Moshiri’s eight-year tenure.
While Moshiri’s immediate payout is modest, there is potential for increased remuneration in the future, contingent on Everton’s success under their new American owners and the financial prospects of the Bramley-Moore dock stadium. Moshiri had previously agreed to a similar deal with 777 Partners, but that transaction ultimately fell through.
Billionaire Dan Friedkin’s acquisition is not expected to face the same hurdles, but the full extent of Moshiri’s financial commitment to Everton remains undisclosed, though it is believed to be in the hundreds of millions.
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United Set to Pursue Sunderland Starlet Chris Rigg
Manchester United are reportedly eyeing another promising young talent, with Sunderland midfielder Chris Rigg emerging as a potential target. This follows the recent signing of Chido Obi-Martin, as the club continues to bolster its youth ranks.
The *Manchester Evening News* reveals that United’s academy head Nick Cox and head of academy recruitment Luke Fedorenko have built a reputation for attracting the brightest prospects in football to Carrington. They have been monitoring Rigg, a 17-year-old midfielder, since he was just 14 years old, and interest in him has surged from clubs across Europe.
Rigg’s decision to sign a professional contract with Sunderland has proven wise, as his exposure to first-team football is accelerating his development. His recent viral backheel goal against Middlesbrough has only added to his growing reputation. However, should United make a move, it will be about more than just an academy pathway; Rigg will be eager to secure a place in the first-team squad.
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Real Madrid Eye Dalot as Alternative to Alexander-Arnold
Real Madrid are reportedly considering a move for Manchester United full-back Diogo Dalot if their pursuit of Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold fails to materialise. The England international has been identified as a key target for the La Liga giants.
The *Liverpool Echo* notes that if Alexander-Arnold prioritises staying at Liverpool, it could force Carlo Ancelotti to look elsewhere for a replacement for Dani Carvajal. In such a scenario, Dalot, who has been scouted by Real Madrid for the past 18 months, would come into focus.
At just 25, Dalot’s versatility to play on either flank is highly regarded by the Spanish club. However, Erik ten Hag will be keen to retain the Portugal international, especially with four years remaining on his contract, which complicates any potential move to Madrid.