Barcelona has agreed a deal to sign Spain captain Rodri from Manchester City for approximately £65 million.

The 30-year-old, who was awarded the Ballon d’Or in 2024, is expected to finalize a four-year contract with the Spanish champions.

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Rodri departs Manchester City boasting a remarkable haul of 12 major trophies, which includes four Premier League titles, two FA Cups, three EFL Cups, and the Champions League title in the 2022-23 season.

Who Will Replace Rodri at Manchester City?

As speculation mounts over possible replacements for Rodri, the name of 18-year-old Ayyoub Bouaddi has been a focal point throughout the summer. Reports indicate that City has engaged in discussions to sign the Moroccan, who would command around £85 million and is reportedly enthusiastic about the prospect of joining.

The young talent gained prominence at this summer’s World Cup and has continued to impress following his key role in Lille’s Champions League triumph over Real Madrid in 2024.

Manchester City has also shown interest in Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez, despite having not submitted a bid for the Argentine before Chelsea’s Friday deadline.

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City manager Maresca has expressed admiration for Fernandez, who he appointed as Chelsea captain when Reece James was sidelined, and the midfielder featured in 79 of Maresca’s 92 matches in charge at Stamford Bridge.

Another possible candidate for a midfield position is Alex Scott from Bournemouth. Scott’s dynamic play style and ball-carrying capabilities align well with Maresca’s possession-oriented tactics, while his ability to deliver effective passes into the box and win duels adds to his appeal.

Additionally, Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister has caught the attention of Maresca. The Argentine, who has been a reliable performer in Liverpool’s midfield, enters the final two years of his contract at Anfield, although he dealt with form challenges during a difficult 2025-26 season.

City fans, what is your reaction to Rodri’s departure? What steps should the club take next?

Let us know here

Barcelona have agreed a deal to sign Spain captain Rodri from Manchester City for about £65m

The 30-year-old, who won the Ballon d’Or in 2024, is set to sign a four-year deal with the Spanish champions.

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Rodri leaves City having won 12 major honours, including four Premier League titles, two FA Cups, three EFL Cups and the Champions League in 2022-23.

But who can replace him at City?

Talk of City signing 18-year-old Ayyoub Bouaddi has been rumbling all summer, and the club have reportedly held talks with the Moroccan, who would cost an estimated £85m and is said to be keen on the move.

The teenager impressed at this summer’s World Cup after a starring role in Lille’s Champions League victory over Real Madrid in 2024 announced him on the big stage.

Man City’s interest in Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez has been no secret, despite not submitting a bid for the Argentine before the Blues’ Friday deadline.

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Man City boss Maresca is clearly a fan of Fernandez, having made him Chelsea captain when Reece James was injured, and he played the Argentine in 79 of his 92 games in charge at Stamford Bridge.

Another potential midfield signing is Bournemouth’s Alex Scott.

Scott’s energy and ball-carrying ability suit Maresca’s preferred style of play – with a heavy emphasis on possession – while his passes into the box and ability to win duels make him an appealing option.

Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister also interests Maresca.

The Argentine is into the final two years of his contract at Anfield and has been a consistent presence in the Reds’ midfield during his time there, though he struggled for form during a troublesome 2025-26 season

City fans, what is your reaction to the news of Rodri’s exit? And what should City do next?

Let us know here