City to Find a New Rodri After Barcelona Switch

Rodri’s Departure and the Search for a Replacement

Manchester City’s 30-year-old midfielder Rodri left the Etihad on 18 August 2026 to join Barcelona, ending a seven-year spell that produced four Premier League titles, a Champions League, two FA Cups and the 2024 Ballon d’Or. The Spain international also captained his country to World Cup glory last month and was named player of the tournament.

Enzo Maresca told reporters on Saturday, 22 August 2026, that the club must find a “new Rodri”. He said, “I’ll try to find a new Rodri - it is what it is.” Maresca added that City’s history of recruiting key players gives him confidence a successor can emerge. “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.

Transfer Window Activity

Rodri’s exit is one of several notable changes during the close season. Bernardo Silva, John Stones, Nathan Ake and Tijjani Reijnders have all left the club. Savinho is set to join Tottenham, potentially along with Omar Marmoush, and Nico Gonzalez could depart before the transfer window closes.

City’s only major signing so far has been midfielder Elliot Anderson, but Maresca said he expects further additions before the deadline. He stressed that the club will adapt and not keep players who do not 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 said. “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.”

Looking Ahead

Maresca said he is not concerned about the scale of the squad overhaul and is confident City can recruit a new Rodri. The manager remains optimistic about further transfer activity before the window closes, even as rumors link Omar Marmoush and Nico Gonzalez with moves away.

The club will face its Premier League opener against Bournemouth on Sunday, with the new squad shape still in flux.