Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has identified replacing Rodri as one of his first major challenges after the midfielder reportedly completed a £65 million transfer to Barcelona.
“I’ll attempt to gain a brand new Rodri, it’s what it’s,” Maresca said, acknowledging the scale of the task facing the club after the departure of its midfield anchor.
Rodri leaves a significant gap
Rodri spent seven seasons at the Etihad Stadium and made nearly 300 appearances for City. During that period, he helped the club win four Premier League titles and the 2023 Champions League, while also claiming the 2024 Ballon d’Or.
His ability to control possession and protect City’s defence made him central to the team’s success, leaving Maresca with a significant role to fill as preparations for the new season begin.
Maresca draws on City’s succession planning
Maresca is familiar with City’s structure after previously working as an assistant under Pep Guardiola and managing the club’s Elite Development Squad. He was appointed on June 29 to succeed Guardiola following the former manager’s decade-long tenure, during which City won 17 major trophies.
The new manager has pointed to the club’s previous success in replacing influential players as a reason for optimism. Erling Haaland arrived after Sergio Aguero’s departure, while Phil Foden took on a greater role following Raheem Sterling’s exit.
City has not publicly confirmed specific targets to succeed Rodri. The club has only recently begun pre-season preparations under Maresca, leaving the search for a new midfield leader as one of the central storylines of his first campaign.
