Rodri returns to Manchester City training after back surgery, but Maresca refuses to guarantee he will stay amid growing Barcelona interest
Enzo Maresca has refused to guarantee Rodri’s future at Manchester City as uncertainty continues to surround the Spanish midfielder. The new City manager acknowledged that the transfer window remains open, leaving the possibility of further movement before the deadline.
Rodri returned to Manchester City training on Friday after an extended break following Spain’s 2026 World Cup triumph and a period of rehabilitation after minor back surgery. Maresca welcomed the midfielder back and indicated that the immediate priority would be helping him return to full fitness.
However, speculation around Rodri’s future has intensified after Barcelona made multiple approaches for the midfielder. Recent reports indicate that Manchester City have rejected two proposals from the Catalan club, with Barcelona still considering another offer. City are reportedly seeking a substantially higher fee before agreeing to any transfer.
The uncertainty comes at a significant moment for Manchester City, who are beginning the first season of the Maresca era and preparing for the Community Shield against Arsenal. Rodri will not feature in that match as he continues his recovery.
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Maresca Gives No Guarantee Over Rodri Future
Asked directly whether he expects Rodri to remain at Manchester City, Enzo Maresca avoided making a firm commitment.
“The transfer window is open — we can buy players, we can sell players. Anything can happen,” Enzo Maresca said, reflecting the uncertainty surrounding the final weeks of the transfer window.
The statement from Enzo Maresca immediately drew attention because Rodri is regarded as one of the most important players in the Manchester City squad.
Rather than dismissing the Barcelona speculation, Enzo Maresca acknowledged that transfer decisions remain possible while the window is open. That does not confirm that Rodri is leaving, but it indicates that the club has not publicly closed the door on a potential move.
Manchester City have already rejected Barcelona’s opening approaches, with reports suggesting the Premier League club wants between roughly £60 million and £65 million for the midfielder.
Rodri Returns After World Cup and Back Surgery
Rodri’s immediate challenge is fitness rather than transfers.
The midfielder returned to Manchester City following an extended break after helping Spain win the 2026 World Cup. He then underwent minor back surgery, making his rehabilitation an important part of his pre-season preparations.
Enzo Maresca said Rodri was welcomed back warmly and is now following a rehabilitation programme. His absence from Sunday’s Community Shield against Arsenal was confirmed as a result of that recovery process.
The timing means that even if Rodri remains at City, supporters may have to wait before seeing him return to competitive action.
For a player coming back from surgery, the priority will be rebuilding match fitness carefully rather than rushing into the opening fixture of the campaign.
Barcelona Interest Continues to Grow
Barcelona’s interest in Rodri has become one of the most closely watched stories of the transfer window.
The Catalan club has already submitted multiple bids, according to recent reports, with Manchester City rejecting the approaches. The latest reported offer was worth around €60 million, while City are believed to be looking for a figure closer to €60-65 million in guaranteed payments.
The Spanish midfielder is reportedly interested in returning to Spain, adding another layer to the negotiations.
Barcelona’s pursuit also makes sporting sense. Rodri’s profile as a controlling central midfielder could provide the club with an experienced presence in a position that has long been associated with Barcelona’s style of play.
However, completing such a deal is complicated by the financial demands of the transfer and the need for both clubs to agree on terms.
Why Rodri Is So Important to Manchester City
Rodri’s importance to Manchester City extends well beyond his reputation.
He is the type of midfielder who can influence the rhythm of a match, help control possession and provide defensive protection in front of the back line.
His ability to operate in deeper midfield also gives teammates greater freedom to move forward.
That makes the possibility of losing him a significant tactical concern for Enzo Maresca.
The new City manager is already attempting to reshape a midfield that has changed considerably. Bernardo Silva has departed for Real Madrid, while Tijjani Reijnders is also preparing to leave after only one season at the club.
A Rodri departure would therefore create another major vacancy in an already changing midfield group.
Reijnders Set to Leave After One Season
Enzo Maresca was more open when discussing Tijjani Reijnders.
The Netherlands international joined Manchester City from AC Milan last summer but struggled to establish himself as an automatic starter.
Recent reports indicate that Reijnders is close to joining Saudi Arabian club Al-Qadsiah in a deal worth around £52 million. The move would bring his time at City to an end after only one season.
Enzo Maresca indicated that the transfer was not yet officially completed but suggested that it was close.
He also explained why a player might decide to leave after limited playing time.
According to Enzo Maresca, footballers train throughout the week with the expectation that they will eventually play matches. When regular opportunities do not arrive, it can become difficult for players to accept the situation.
Enzo Maresca described that as a normal part of football, particularly after a player has spent a season without receiving the amount of game time he wants.
Maresca Compares Reijnders Situation With James Trafford
Enzo Maresca used the example of goalkeeper James Trafford to explain the circumstances surrounding Reijnders.
Trafford left Manchester City for Leeds in order to obtain more regular playing opportunities.
The comparison highlights a broader issue facing City as the squad evolves under a new manager.
Top-level players may accept competition for places for a period, but sustained spells on the bench can eventually encourage them to seek a new environment.
For Enzo Maresca, managing those expectations will be an important part of the job.
Manchester City are competing on several fronts, but squad depth also means not every player can receive guaranteed minutes.
City Midfield Undergoing Major Changes
The uncertainty around Rodri is particularly significant because Manchester City are already undergoing a major midfield transition.
Bernardo Silva has left for Real Madrid, while Reijnders is expected to depart for Al-Qadsiah.
City have attempted to address the transition by investing heavily in new midfield talent. Elliot Anderson has joined from Nottingham Forest in a reported £116 million deal, while the club is also pursuing young midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille.
The club’s recruitment suggests that it is preparing for a new midfield structure regardless of what eventually happens with Rodri.
However, replacing the Spain international would be considerably more complicated than simply finding another central midfielder.
His experience, tactical importance and established role in City’s system make him difficult to replace immediately.
Enzo Fernandez Remains Another Transfer Story
Manchester City’s transfer planning is also linked to Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez.
Maresca previously coached Fernandez at Chelsea, which has naturally led to speculation over whether City could attempt to reunite the pair.
When asked about Fernandez, Maresca refused to discuss a player contracted to another club.
“It’s a player from another club. I don’t think it’s correct to speak about other players,” he said.
Chelsea have reportedly placed a high valuation on Fernandez, with recent reports putting their asking price at around £120 million. City did not meet a Friday deadline set by Chelsea, making an immediate transfer less likely.
The situation illustrates the complexity of City’s midfield rebuild.
If Rodri were to leave, the club would need both an experienced replacement and enough depth to handle the demands of a long season.
Community Shield Comes Without Rodri
Regardless of the transfer speculation, one thing is already certain: Rodri will not play in Sunday’s Community Shield against Arsenal.
Manchester City will use the match as an early competitive test under Maresca, but Rodri’s rehabilitation means he will not be involved.
The fixture carries additional importance because it will be Maresca’s first opportunity to compete for silverware as Manchester City manager. Reuters reported that the Italian is approaching the match with the intention of treating it as a genuine competitive fixture rather than simply a pre-season event.
For City, the game will provide an early indication of how Maresca’s tactical ideas are beginning to translate on the pitch.
It will also offer clues about how the midfield operates without Rodri.
Barcelona Move Could Transform the Transfer Window
Should Barcelona succeed in signing Rodri, it would represent one of the biggest midfield transfers of the summer.
The player is still regarded as a key figure at Manchester City, and his departure would force the club to accelerate its rebuilding plans.
For Barcelona, acquiring a midfielder of Rodri’s experience could reshape the team’s central structure and potentially provide a long-term successor to the traditional controlling midfield role associated with the club.
The latest negotiations remain unresolved, however.
Manchester City have already rejected offers, and the two clubs are separated by their valuations. Reports also suggest that Rodri is open to returning to Spain, meaning the player’s preference could become an important factor if negotiations continue.
City’s Transfer Window Remains Unsettled
Maresca’s comments reflect a transfer window that is still moving quickly around Manchester City.
Rodri’s future is uncertain, Reijnders is preparing to depart and City remain active in the market for additional midfield options.
The club has also been involved in discussions regarding other players, including Savinho, while continuing its search for further reinforcements.
This means Maresca could begin the season with a squad that looks noticeably different from the one inherited from the previous campaign.
The challenge will be integrating the new arrivals while maintaining the competitive standards expected of Manchester City.
Rodri’s Future Remains the Biggest Question
The immediate question remains simple: will Rodri stay at Manchester City or move to Barcelona?
At present, there is no official confirmation of a transfer.
Manchester City have rejected Barcelona’s bids and continue to hold a valuation they believe reflects the midfielder’s importance. At the same time, Rodri’s reported interest in returning to Spain has kept the possibility alive.
Maresca’s refusal to guarantee Rodri’s future has only intensified the speculation.
For now, the midfielder is back in Manchester, focused on rehabilitation and working towards a return to competitive football.
A Defining Decision for Manchester City
The coming days could prove crucial for Manchester City’s midfield.
If Rodri remains, Maresca will have one of Europe’s most influential midfielders available once he completes his recovery, while the new manager can build around a player already familiar with the club’s demands.
If Rodri leaves, City will have to accelerate their transition and potentially make another major investment before the transfer window closes.
Reijnders’ departure adds further pressure, while the uncertainty surrounding potential replacements means the midfield picture remains fluid.
For now, Maresca’s message is clear: the transfer window remains open, and decisions have not yet been finalised.
Rodri’s future is therefore still unresolved, and with Barcelona continuing to push, one of Manchester City’s most important transfer decisions of the summer may yet be ahead.
