Archive · 23 Aug 2026
Manchester City Seeks Rodri Successor After Barcelona Departure
Rodri has left Manchester City and joined Barcelona.
He played for City for seven years.
During that time, he helped the club win many important trophies.
City manager Enzo Maresca said the club now wants to find another player who can become as important as Rodri.
Maresca said Rodri was not yet a Ballon d'Or or Champions League winner before joining City.
He also gave examples of City replacing famous players successfully.
The manager expects more changes before the transfer window closes.
He said City will not force players to stay if they want to leave.
Rodri ended his seven-year Manchester City spell after moving to Barcelona.
Manager Enzo Maresca said City would try to find a new Rodri.
Rodri won four Premier League titles, the Champions League and two FA Cups with City.
Maresca cited Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland as previous successful replacements.
Maresca expects more transfer activity and said unwanted players will not be kept.
- Who
- Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca and midfielder Rodri are central to the story.
- What
- Rodri left Manchester City for Barcelona, and Maresca said City would seek his successor.
- When
- Rodri's departure was reported on Tuesday; Maresca spoke on Saturday before City's Premier League opener.
- Where
- The move was from Manchester City to Barcelona.
- Why
- City must replace a key midfielder and is reshaping its squad during the transfer window.
- Departing player
- Rodri
- New club
- Barcelona
- Manchester City tenure
- Seven years
- Major City trophies
- Four Premier League titles, the Champions League and two FA Cups
- Manager
- Enzo Maresca
- Transfer outlook
- Maresca expects further activity before the transfer window closes
- Squad policy
- City does not want to keep players who do not want to stay