Manchester City begin search for ‘new Rodri’ after Barcelona move

Manchester City will target a long-term successor to Rodri after the midfielder’s move to Barcelona, with Enzo Maresca admitting the club must now replace one of the defining players of its recent era.

Rodri ended a seven-year spell at the Etihad Stadium this week, leaving City with a major vacancy at the base of midfield ahead of Maresca’s first Premier League campaign in charge.

Speaking before Sunday’s opener against Bournemouth, Maresca said City’s task is clear: “Now the target for us is to try to find the new Rodri.”

The City head coach pointed to the club’s record of replacing major figures over the past decade, citing the transitions from David Silva to Kevin De Bruyne, Sergio Agüero to Erling Haaland and Fernandinho to Rodri as evidence that the squad can evolve without losing its competitive level.

Rodri departs after becoming central to City’s domestic and European success, winning four Premier League titles and the Champions League while also claiming the 2024 Ballon d’Or.

Replacing his influence will involve more than identifying a holding midfielder. Rodri had become the reference point for City in possession, controlling tempo, protecting transitions and offering leadership in high-pressure matches.

Maresca also confirmed that further transfer activity is expected before the window closes on September 1, with City still shaping the squad he inherited this summer.

The club have already undergone significant change following the end of Pep Guardiola’s tenure, and Rodri’s departure adds another major decision to a recruitment process that could remain active into the final days of the window.

For Maresca, the challenge is not simply to replace a departing player, but to identify the next midfielder capable of becoming central to Manchester City’s structure for years to come.