Exclusive: Manchester City Lining up Bayern Munich Midfielder Alexsandar Pavlovic as Rodri Successor

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.

Importantly, the youngster is nine years Rodri’s junior; meaning even a huge transfer fee would represent a sensible investment. 

England has also proven an attractive destination for many of the continent’s rising stars in recent seasons, with City’s Erling Haaland and his former colleague Kevin De Bruyne among those to tread the well-worn path from the Bundesliga to the Premier League over the past decade.

Although Rodri remains indispensable to Guardiola, he is aware that City must begin planning for a future without the former Villarreal and Atletico Madrid magician.

Pavlovic’s comfort on the ball, ability to cover ground and extensive passing repertoire make him an ideal candidate to step into the breach. 

Like Rodri, he also poses a threat going forward and, crucially, has experience of operating in demanding environments having made his debut for Bayern two years ago.