City's Midfield Plan B Cost Just as Much as Plan A
Manchester City's summer pursuit of a Rodri replacement did not go to plan. Not even close. According to Bild's Christian Falk, the Blues had Aleksandar Pavlovic at the top of their list, were willing to pay nine figures for him, and had opened talks as early as March. City told Bayern they could stump up €100m (£85.8m).
Pavlovic, all of 22, asked for time. He took it. And then he said no.
The German international opted to stay at Bayern, a decision that should not shock anyone who knows his background. He joined the club at seven and has come through the ranks at the Allianz Arena. Loyalty, it turns out, still counts for something.
There was no concrete offer on Bayern's table, Falk says, but the Bundesliga side were fully aware of City's interest. Reports of that interest first emerged at the end of last year, with Manchester United and Chelsea also mentioned as potential suitors.
So City moved on. Rodri had already left for Barcelona, leaving a hole in midfield that needed filling. After protracted negotiations, they landed Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille — another young player, and one who ended up costing around €100m.
Funny how these things work out. City wanted their number one target, were prepared to pay top dollar, and still ended up spending the same money on someone else. Bouaddi may not have been first choice, but he arrives with a similar price tag and, presumably, similar expectations.
Whether he can fill Rodri's boots is another matter entirely. But at least the cheque cleared.