Maresca’s Statement Ahead of Bournemouth Match

On Saturday 22 August 2026, just a day before City’s Premier League opener against Bournemouth, manager Enzo Maresca told reporters that the club would seek a new Rodri after the midfielder’s exit to Barcelona. “I’ll try to find a new Rodri - it is what it is,” Maresca said. He added, “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.” The manager concluded, “Now the target for us is to try to find the new Rodri.”

Rodri’s Impact and Departure

Rodri, 30, left City on 18 August 2026 after a seven-year spell that produced four Premier League titles, the Champions League and two FA Cups. He is also the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner and a member of Spain’s European Championship-winning team. Last month he captained Spain to World Cup glory and was named player of the tournament. His departure marks the end of a trophy-laden era for the club.

Maresca’s Confidence in Recruitment

Maresca acknowledged that replacing a player of Rodri’s stature would be difficult but cited City’s track record to reassure himself. “When David Silva was here, everyone was worried - Kevin (De Bruyne) arrived. When Sergio Aguero was here, everyone was worried - Erling (Haaland) arrived. When Fernandinho left, Rodri arrived. It’s just about this,” he said. “When they leave, you need to be good and recruit the next one.” He stressed that the club’s history of finding suitable replacements gives him confidence.

Transfer Window Outlook

The manager also addressed the ongoing transfer activity. “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.” He added, “It’s normal. I’m not worried about that. When the transfer window closes and we have the squad there, for sure it will be different.” Maresca noted that reports linking Omar Marmoush and Nico Gonzalez with moves away are not yet confirmed, and he expects further activity before the window closes.