Beyond the Ballon d'Or: What's next for Manchester City's defensive maestro?

Manchester City's recent struggles in the absence of their star midfielder Rodri Hernandez have ignited speculation about his future at the club. The Spanish international, who recently claimed the coveted Ballon d'Or, has been sidelined for the majority of the season due to a serious injury.

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Since Rodri's injury, City have suffered a series of unexpected defeats, a first under Pep Guardiola's tenure. This downturn in form has raised questions about the team's depth and ability to cope without their influential midfielder.

With Rodri out, the Citizens have struggled to maintain their usual dominance in the middle of the park. His ability to dictate the tempo of the game, break up opposition attacks, and initiate build-up play has been sorely missed.

As a result, there has been growing speculation in the media about the possibility of City looking to sign a replacement for Rodri during the January transfer window. However, finding a player of his caliber and importance to the team will be a daunting task.

Rodri's injury has also raised questions about his long-term future at the Etihad Stadium. Given his importance to the team and his recent success, it is likely that other top European clubs will be monitoring his situation closely.

While it is too early to say for sure whether Rodri will leave Manchester City, his absence has undoubtedly created a sense of uncertainty surrounding the club. As the transfer window approaches, it will be interesting to see how the situation develops.