Manchester City are facing one of their biggest challenges of the new era after Rodri completed his move to Barcelona.
The Spain international leaves City after seven highly successful years at the club, during which he became one of the most important midfielders in world football. Barcelona agreed a deal reported at around £65 million for the 30-year-old midfielder.
For Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca, the immediate question is simple: who can replace Rodri?
Maresca admits replacing Rodri will not be easy
Maresca has acknowledged that replacing a player of Rodri’s quality will be extremely difficult.
Rodri was not simply a defensive midfielder. He controlled the tempo of matches, helped City build attacks from deep and provided defensive protection when the team pushed players forward.
His importance was reflected in his trophy haul. During his City career, Rodri won four Premier League titles, the Champions League and two FA Cups. He also won the 2024 Ballon d’Or.
Maresca believes City have successfully replaced important players in the past, pointing to the transitions involving David Silva, Kevin De Bruyne and Fernandinho.
However, the Rodri situation presents a particularly difficult challenge because of how central he became to City’s style.
A new midfield solution is needed
Manchester City cannot simply expect another player to become Rodri overnight.
The club will need to decide whether to sign an established defensive midfielder, develop a younger player or change the team’s tactical structure.
Maresca has also indicated that further changes to the squad could take place before the transfer window closes.
That means City’s midfield could look significantly different by the end of the transfer window.
Can Manchester City remain title contenders?
The departure of Rodri does not automatically mean Manchester City will fall away from the Premier League title race.
The club still possesses elite attacking and midfield talent, while Maresca is beginning a new chapter after Pep Guardiola’s departure.
But Rodri’s exit removes one of the team’s most reliable foundations.
The bigger question is whether City can replace his influence, rather than simply replacing his position.
If they find the right solution, the transition could eventually become another successful rebuilding job. If they do not, Rodri’s absence could become one of the defining stories of City’s season.
For now, Manchester City have a huge hole to fill — and the rest of the Premier League will be watching closely.
