Manchester City boss Enzo Maresca targets next Rodri after midfielder's exit
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca is tasked with finding a replacement for star midfielder Rodri following his transfer to Barcelona. Maresca remains confident in the club's recruitment strategy to maintain their competitive edge.
Why it matters
The departure of a high-profile player like Rodri significantly impacts the competitive landscape of top-tier European football.
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca said the club would look to find the next Rodri following the midfielder's departure to Barcelona, insisting City had repeatedly shown an ability to replace key players.
Rodri, 30, ended a seven-year spell at City on August 18, bringing to a close a trophy-laden stay that included four Premier League titles, the Champions League and two FA Cups.
"I'll try to find a new Rodri - it is what it is," Maresca told reporters on Saturday (August 22, 2026), a day ahead of City's Premier League opener against Bournemouth.
"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.” Maresca said.
"Now the target for us is to try to find the new Rodri."
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in