Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca said the club would look to find the next Rodri following the midfielder’s departure to Barcelona, insisting City had repeatedly shown an ability to replace key players.
“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. “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.
Rodri, 30, ended a seven-year spell at City on August 18, bringing to a close a trophy-laden stay that included four Premier League titles, the Champions League and two FA Cups.
“I’ll try to find a new Rodri – it is what it is,” Maresca told reporters on Saturday (August 22, 2026), a day ahead of City’s Premier League opener against Bournemouth. Maresca said. Maresca acknowledged the Spain international would be difficult to replace but said City’s recruitment history gave him confidence that a successor could emerge. It’s just about this,” he said.
Rodri, the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner and a member of Spain’s European Championship-winning team, further enhanced his reputation by captaining his country to World Cup glory last month and being named player of the tournament. “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 said.