Archive · 14 Aug 2026
'Anything can happen': Maresca refuses to rule out Rodri exit
There is a very famous football player named Rodri who plays for Manchester City in England.
Rodri is so good that he helped Spain win the World Cup and was named the best player of the tournament.
A big Spanish team called Barcelona really wants Rodri to come and play for them.
Barcelona offered money to Manchester City, but City said it was not enough and wants much more.
The City coach, Enzo Maresca, says 'anything can happen' because teams can still buy and sell players while the transfer window is open.
Rodri had a small back operation after the World Cup, so he only came back to training on Friday and will rest this weekend.
If Barcelona offers more money, City might buy another star player from Chelsea to take Rodri's place.
Another City midfielder, Tijjani Reijnders, wants to play more games and is moving to a team in Saudi Arabia.
This weekend, City play Arsenal in the Community Shield, the big game that starts the new season.
Barcelona have had bids for Rodri rejected — one report says two offers — including an opening bid of £38.5 million ($52 million).
Manchester City reportedly want about £68 million for the 30-year-old World Cup winner, who has one season left on his contract.
Maresca said 'anything can happen' in the open transfer window and confirmed Rodri will miss Sunday's Community Shield as he recovers from back surgery.
City are close to signing Lille's 18-year-old Ayyoub Bouaddi and are linked with Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez, who would reportedly cost around £120 million.
Tijjani Reijnders is set to join Saudi club Al Qadsiah for about £51 million, while City have already spent £116 million on Elliot Anderson.
- Who
- Rodri, Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca, Spanish giants Barcelona, Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez and City midfielder Tijjani Reijnders.
- What
- Barcelona are trying to sign World Cup winner Rodri, whose bids City have rejected, with City reportedly valuing the midfielder at about £68 million.
- When
- In the summer transfer window, with Maresca speaking at a Friday press conference, Rodri returning to training that day, and the Community Shield scheduled for Sunday (articles differ on the World Cup timing: 'earlier this year' vs 'last month').
- Where
- In the United Kingdom, with City based at the Etihad Stadium and the Community Shield taking place in Cardiff.
- Why
- Rodri has one season remaining on his contract and has been linked with a return to his native Spain, prompting Barcelona's interest.
Barcelona's pursuit
Manchester City's position
Rodri's transfer
Barcelona's pursuit
With Rodri in the final year of his contract and linked to a return to Spain, Barcelona see a chance to sign the World Cup winner; they have already had bids rejected and are expected to return with an improved offer.
Manchester City's position
City rejected the bid as too low and reportedly want about £68 million; Maresca said 'anything can happen' with the window open, but stressed that players under contract at other clubs should not be discussed.
Enzo Fernandez as a replacement
Barcelona's pursuit
If Barcelona come back with an increased offer, City are reported to be ready to move for Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez, who would reportedly cost around £120 million.
Manchester City's position
Maresca said it is not 'correct to speak about other players' and indicated no deal was imminent: 'Not today to be honest, I don't think we're going to do something today.'
Tijjani Reijnders' exit
Barcelona's pursuit
Reijnders started only half of City's Premier League matches and, like James Trafford, wants regular playing time, making a move to Al Qadsiah a sensible next step.
Manchester City's position
Maresca said it is 'normal' for a player to want more games and that when club, player and manager all agree, 'the best decision for a player is to go' — though the transfer is not yet official.
- Barcelona's opening bid
- £38.5 million ($52 million), rejected by Manchester City
- City's reported asking price
- About £68 million
- Rodri's contract status
- One season remaining at the Etihad
- Rodri's age
- 30
- World Cup honour
- Named Best Player as Spain won the FIFA World Cup in North America
- Injury status
- Returned to City on Friday after minor back surgery; will miss the Community Shield
- Potential City signing
- Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez, reported to cost around £120 million
- Other City transfer business
- £116 million spent on Elliot Anderson; Tijjani Reijnders set to join Al Qadsiah for about £51 million; close to signing Ayyoub Bouaddi
