Manchester City’s summer business saw them make one big move in bringing Rodri from Atletico Madrid.
The defensive midfielder has been excellent under Pep Guardiola so far and seems set to be Fernandinho’s long-term replacement.
City did make some other signings in the defence but they could have bought a former Premier League star too.
Philippe Coutinho was offered to Pep Guardiola in the summer from Barcelona, however, Marca claims that the Spaniard rejected the chance to sign the 27-year-old.
Coutinho ended up joining Bayern Munich on loan and can make the deal permanent next year.
The lack of a Vincent Kompany replacement might hurt the Cityzens this season, but avoiding the Coutinho signing was a great move from Guardiola.
The Brazilian’s stock had been tanking since his move to the Catalan giants, and he struggled in a more technical league despite being a great player for Liverpool.
Guardiola already has a fantastic midfield at the moment and it is difficult seeing Coutinho breaking into the team.
The Brazilian could play out wide, but he is in his element when positioned just behind the three attackers.
Kevin De Bruyne cannot be dropped while Phil Foden and Ilkay Gundogan can do a great job as the third midfielder in the team.
Not to forget, David Silva still is at City, even if it is for one more year, and the Spaniard still looks incredible despite being 33.
Bernardo Silva can play out wide or in the midfield and he was one of City’s unsung heroes from the previous campaign.
It would also have been a test for Coutinho to adjust to Guardiola’s demands, which doesn’t always work out for a player.
City didn’t need another creative midfielder to join but they could have done with more defensive players signing this summer.
Coutinho’s powers are on the wane and even with City’s millions, it was smart of Guardiola to not sign the Brazilian.
City have a fantastic midfield at the moment, and it would be tough for anyone to break into the side.
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