Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca stated that the club will search for a new Rodri following the player’s departure to Barcelona, according to Reuters reporting. Rodri concluded a seven-year stint at City, during which he won four Premier League titles, the Champions League, and two FA Cups.
Replacing a Trophy-Laden Midfield Anchor
Rodri, the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner and a key figure in Spain’s international success, left the club after cementing his status as one of the world’s best defensive midfielders. According to Reuters, Maresca acknowledged the Spain international’s immense quality during a press conference ahead of City’s Premier League opener against Bournemouth.
“I’ll try to find a new Rodri – it is what it is,” Maresca said, as reported by Reuters. “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.”
Drawing on Recruitment History
Maresca expressed confidence in the club’s established recruitment patterns, pointing to past transitions where high-profile departures were successfully offset by incoming talent. According to Reuters, the City manager highlighted historical squad evolution as proof that the team can adapt.
“When David Silva was here, everyone was worried – Kevin (De Bruyne) arrived,” Maresca said. “When Sergio Aguero was here, everyone was worried – Erling (Haaland) arrived. When Fernandinho left, Rodri arrived. It’s just about this. When they leave, you need to be good and recruit the next one.”
Squad Balance and Summer Departures
Alongside the midfield transition, Maresca addressed broader squad reshaping during the summer transfer window.
Meanwhile, director of football Hugo Viana traveled to South Korea to manage ongoing negotiations as the squad participated in pre-season fixtures.
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