Enzo Maresca targets midfield successor as Manchester City sell Rodri to Barcelona

Squad transition strategy

Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca addressed the media on Saturday ahead of the club's Premier League opener against Bournemouth, outlining plans to replace midfielder Rodri following his transfer to Barcelona. Maresca stated that City has demonstrated an ability to navigate the departure of key squad members throughout the past decade. He referenced previous succession cycles, including Kevin De Bruyne replacing David Silva, Erling Haaland succeeding Sergio Aguero, and Rodri stepping in after Fernandinho. The manager noted that Rodri developed into a decorated player only after arriving at the club.

Rodri, before he arrived here, he didn't win the Ballon d'Or, he didn't win the Champions League, he didn't win the Club World Cup. Then he joined the club and then he achieved many important things. Now the target for us is to try to find the new Rodri.

Rodri's departure to Barcelona

Rodri completed his move to Barcelona on Tuesday, signing a four-year contract for a fee that could reach £65.3 million ($89.1 million). The 30-year-old midfielder was in the final 12 months of his contract at Manchester City after negotiations over an extension ended without an agreement. Across seven seasons and nearly 300 appearances, Rodri helped the club win four Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and the 2023 Champions League, where he scored the match-winning goal. The Spain captain arrived at the transfer following international success, having won the 2024 Ballon d'Or, the European Championship, and the July 2026 World Cup, where he received the Golden Ball as player of the tournament.

Squad reshaping and outgoings

The departure follows Manchester City's 3-0 defeat against Arsenal in the Community Shield and coincides with wider squad turnover. Midfielder Tijjani Reijnders completed a £51 million ($69.6 million) transfer to Saudi club Al Qadsiah. Reports indicate winger Savinho is moving to Tottenham Hotspur, with Omar Marmoush also linked to the north London club. Winger Nico Gonzalez has been linked with Newcastle United. Maresca addressed the prospect of additional departures, explaining that market negotiations often concentrate near the end of the window.

We need to adapt and we don't want to keep players here that don't want to stay. The normal thing in transfer windows is that you have to wait because all the clubs try to keep players until the last week and then sell for more money.

Transfer pursuit and midfield targets

Manchester City secured midfielder Elliot Anderson earlier in the summer during the World Cup for a club record fee of £116 million ($158 million). The club has explored midfield reinforcements, pursuing Ayyoub Bouaddi and Enzo Fernandez, while also making an enquiry for Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton. Recruitment staff have also evaluated 22-year-old Palmeiras winger Allan Elias. Maresca reiterated that the club aims to maintain the competitive consistency achieved under previous managers Roberto Mancini, Manuel Pellegrini, and Pep Guardiola, who collected a combined 26 trophies. City begins its league campaign against Bournemouth on Sunday.