Manchester City have signed Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for £116m but are still looking for a new midfield partner after Rodri’s departure to Barcelona.

Rodri’s Exit and the Search for a Replacement

The Spanish midfielder left the Etihad earlier this week in a big‑money switch to Barcelona, ending a glittering seven‑year spell that saw City win multiple Premier League titles, a Champions League and even the Ballon d’Or for the club’s own players. Manager Enzo Maresca has made clear that the club is now searching for a “next Rodri” to fill the void left in the heart of the team.

Maresca said the club will look for a player with a similar profile to Rodri, noting that the team has successfully recruited high‑profile midfielders in the past. He added that the club’s recruitment strategy has always been able to adapt to the departure of key players.

Potential Signings

City are reportedly in talks with Lille over the transfer of Ayyoub Bouaddi, who could bring the qualities City are looking for. The club’s recent big‑money addition, England star Elliot Anderson, was signed from Nottingham Forest for £116m, but the manager says they are not finished with midfield recruitment.

Possible Outgoings

There are also potential departures on the horizon. Savinho and Omar Marmoush are both on the verge of a double deal to Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur, with the transfer worth around £140m. If those moves are completed, the pair would join a number of high‑profile players leaving the club, including Tijjani Reijnders to Saudi Arabian side Al‑Qadsiah, James Trafford, Nathan Ake, Bernardo Silva and John Stones, all of whom have followed former boss Pep Guardiola out of the door.

Upcoming Match

City’s 2026/27 season will kick off on Sunday as they welcome Bournemouth to the Etihad Stadium.

Summary

Manchester City have signed Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for £116m but are still looking for a new midfield partner after Rodri’s departure to Barcelona. Manager Enzo Maresca says the club is searching for a ‘next Rodri’ and is in talks with Lille over Ayyoub Bouaddi. Potential exits include Savinho and Omar Marmoush to Tottenham for £140m, while other departures such as Tijjani Reijnders, James Trafford, Nathan Ake, Bernardo Silva and John Stones have already been confirmed.