Manchester City will attempt to identify a suitable successor to Rodri following the Spain captain’s move to La Liga title-holders Barcelona earlier this week, manager Enzo Maresca has said.
During seven seasons at the Etihad Stadium, Rodri established himself among the world’s leading midfielders. His achievements included the 2024 Ballon d’Or, four Premier League trophies and the winning goal in the 2023 Champions League final.
The 30-year-old captained Spain to World Cup success in the summer before agreeing a four-year deal at the Nou Camp, with Barcelona paying approximately £65m for his transfer.
Maresca said the solution is to search for the next player capable of filling Rodri’s role, acknowledging that the club must accept the situation and move forward.
He pointed out that Rodri had not yet won the Ballon d’Or, Champions League or Club World Cup before arriving, but went on to collect several major honours during his time at the club.
Rodri made close to 300 appearances for City. With only a year remaining on his contract, he was offered a new agreement by the Premier League club, but the negotiations ended without a deal.
Maresca recalled that similar concerns arose when David Silva’s time at the club was ending, before Kevin De Bruyne emerged as his successor. He also compared Sergio Aguero being followed by Erling Haaland and Fernandinho making way for Rodri.
He explained that when influential players depart, strong recruitment is essential to find the right replacements. Such transitions are a natural part of football, he added, and the club must respond by making sensible decisions and moving ahead.
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