Enzo Maresca seeks new Rodri at Man City
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The gist
Enzo Maresca said Manchester City will seek a 'new Rodri' after selling the midfielder to Barcelona for £65m. The club targets Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez despite a missed deadline.
Background
Manchester City sold Rodri to Barcelona for £65m, leaving a gap in midfield. New manager Enzo Maresca, who replaced Pep Guardiola, is looking to fill that void. He has publicly stated the club will find a 'new Rodri', similar to how they replaced Sergio Aguero with Erling Haaland. City are reportedly interested in Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez, whom Maresca coached at Chelsea.
How it unfolded
- Aug 16, 2026Manchester City lost 3-0 to Arsenal in the Community Shield, highlighting the absence of Rodri.
- Aug 16, 2026Rodri completed a £65.4m move to Barcelona, with City accepting the bid.
- Aug 17, 2026Reports emerged that City are pursuing Enzo Fernandez and Ayyoub Bouaddi as replacements.
- Aug 18, 2026City made an initial verbal offer of around £115m for Fernandez, but Chelsea responded with silence.
- Aug 20, 2026Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso refused to confirm Fernandez's future, saying he is a Chelsea player and training well.
- Aug 21, 2026Maresca said he is comfortable with his squad and hinted at late signings, while Savinho also wants to leave.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Maresca said City will find a 'new Rodri' and that players who want to leave can go, as they won't perform if unhappy.
- Analysts
- Some analysts note that Fernandez is valued at £120m, nearly double Rodri's fee, questioning if he is worth the investment.
- Caution
- Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso said Fernandez is a Chelsea player and training well, but did not confirm he will stay.
Still unverified
The reported verbal offer of £115m for Fernandez and Chelsea's silence are based on AS sources, not officially confirmed.