Manchester City midfielder Rodri is on the cusp of a high-profile move to Barcelona, with the 30-year-old having reportedly entered the final year of his contract at the Etihad Stadium. The impending transfer sees City’s new head coach, Enzo Maresca, already identifying Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez as his primary target to fill the void.
Rodri’s decision to join Barcelona comes after he rejected a substantial financial offer from Real Madrid, a choice he officially communicated to their management. According to AS, the Spanish international opted for the Catalan giants due to their distinctive style of play, the enduring legacy of Pep Guardiola, and a stronger affinity for Catalan players forged during national team gatherings. The move is expected to cost Barcelona close to €60 million, with Rodri set to sign a four-season contract worth approximately €30 million gross per year.
Maresca eyes former Chelsea protégé
With Rodri’s departure imminent, Manchester City is swiftly turning its attention to replacements. New boss Enzo Maresca has reportedly made Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez his ‘dream’ addition. The 2001-born Argentine midfielder, who will be 25 in 2026, shared a strong relationship with Maresca during their time together at Chelsea.
Fernandez’s future at Stamford Bridge has been uncertain, particularly after he explored a move to Real Madrid earlier this year. His connection with Maresca is evident, with Fernandez expressing his disappointment when Maresca departed Chelsea mid-season.
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“Obviously, it was a departure that hurt us a lot because we had an identity,” Fernandez commented on Maresca’s exit. “He gave us an order, even though, as is the way of football, sometimes it’s good and bad. But he always had a very clear identity when it came to training and playing, and obviously, his departure hurt us a lot, especially in the middle of the season; it cuts everything short.”
Sky’s Gianluca Di Marzio, reporting on Maresca’s keen interest, noted, “While Maresca’s admiration for the Argentine is beyond question, it remains to be seen whether negotiations for the 2001-born midfielder will be possible.”
City’s broader midfield strategy
Beyond Fernandez, Manchester City is also planning for the long term. The club is lining up 18-year-old midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi as another potential replacement for Rodri, with personal terms for the youngster already agreed. Additionally, club record transfer Elliot Anderson has been mentioned as a possible option as City prepares for life without their influential Spanish holding midfielder.
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