Manchester City may target Aston Villa midfielder Morgan Rogers to address their midfield issues, notably the lack of energy and creativity highlighted in their recent goalless draw with Manchester United. City’s experienced midfielders, including Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan, struggle to impact games and provide defensive cover as they age. While Rogers would be a perfect fit for City’s needs with his speed and ability to track back, a move seems unlikely since he recently signed a contract extension with Villa, who reportedly wouldn’t sell without a significant offer. Guardiola values Rogers, but practicalities may hinder a summer transfer.
An Aston Villa midfielder is identified as a potential target for Manchester City, although a summer transfer seems improbable
As Manchester City faced Manchester United in a goalless draw yesterday, the issues within the current City lineup were evident. Pep Guardiola opted to field his most seasoned players, particularly in midfield. However, it became clear throughout the match that City is in dire need of energy and creativity in that area. While not a groundbreaking insight, it was especially highlighted during this encounter.
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The thought of starting Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, Mateo Kovacic, and Ilkay Gundogan in midfield seems logical. They are anticipated to provide control and composure in possession. This appeared to be Guardiola’s intention in the match. Yet, the reality is that De Bruyne, Bernardo, Kovacic, and Gundogan can no longer cover the ground as effectively as they once did. Their ability to influence games going forward has diminished significantly. We have repeatedly witnessed this shortcoming this season. Yes, they had a brief moment of brilliance against Bournemouth in the FA Cup last weekend, but fundamentally, they are unable to perform as they used to. This is simply the outcome of time taking its toll on Manchester City’s stalwarts.
Watching the match yesterday, it was apparent that City craved more dynamism in midfield. When Kovacic, Bernardo, Gundogan, or De Bruyne lost the ball, they struggled to recover defensively. They no longer possess the capability to do so. A pivotal moment occurred in the 20th minute when Kovacic lost possession, leading to a wasted opportunity for Alejandro Garnacho, which encapsulated this concern. Yesterday’s match saw numerous instances highlighting this, especially toward the end.
Manchester City is rumored to be interested in acquiring an Aston Villa midfielder who could bring energy and offensive capabilities, but a transfer seems far-fetched.
Pep Guardiola’s squad is in urgent need of energy in both midfield and forward positions. The impending return of Rodri will certainly help; however, it feels as though Manchester City desperately requires those attributes in midfield. This includes the ability to make driving runs and to track back defensively when possession is lost. In this context, City has been linked with a potential summer transfer for Aston Villa midfielder Morgan Rogers. His speed and energy would be beneficial, and he could assist defensively as well. Despite checking many boxes that City needs, making a move for Rogers seems unlikely.
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Fraser Fletcher from TeamTalk reported that Manchester City is keen on signing Morgan Rogers this summer. Furthermore, Fletcher indicates that Pep Guardiola holds Rogers in high regard and is eager to bring him to the Etihad. However, Fletcher also notes that Rogers signed a contract extension with Aston Villa in November, and Villa does not wish to part with the England international. Finally, Fletcher mentions that it would require a ‘mammoth offer’ for Villa to even consider selling Morgan Rogers.
Summary.
A player like Morgan Rogers would be an excellent fit for Manchester City this summer. They are in desperate need of pace and energy, both offensively and defensively. If you were to replace Kevin De Bruyne or Ilkay Gundogan with Rogers in yesterday’s midfield, Pep Guardiola’s side would present a significantly different challenge. Thus, a pursuit of Morgan Rogers appears sensible in theory. However, given his importance to Aston Villa and the recent contract extension, the practicality of such a transfer is doubtful. Nonetheless, he is the type of player who would greatly benefit Pep Guardiola’s squad, as evidenced in yesterday’s match at Old Trafford.