Manchester, July 26: Manchester City face a crucial decision over the future of midfield talisman Rodri as the club begins a new era under head coach Enzo Maresca following a summer of significant squad changes.
City have already reshaped their squad with the departures of several senior players from the club’s Treble-winning side, including Manuel Akanji, Nathan Ake, Bernardo Silva and John Stones. In response, the Premier League champions have strengthened their ranks by signing Elliot Anderson and teenage prospect Jeremy Monga, but uncertainty surrounding Rodri has added another layer to the rebuilding process.
The Spain international, who captained his country to FIFA World Cup glory and was named the tournament’s best player, is set to undergo back surgery, with the duration of his recovery yet to be confirmed. His contract also enters its final year, while reports continue to link him with a possible move to Real Madrid.
Despite the speculation, Maresca has made it clear he wants the midfielder to remain at the Etihad Stadium.
“Every manager wants to have Rodri because he is a top player,” Maresca said, adding that the Spaniard’s immediate focus should be on recovering fully from surgery before returning to action.Although City are keen to retain the 30-year-old, the club are believed to be preparing contingency plans. Anderson’s arrival strengthens the midfield, while Lille youngster Ayyoub Bouaddi has also emerged as a reported transfer target.Maresca is expected to introduce a possession-based tactical system built around positional flexibility, with players capable of operating in multiple roles across the pitch. His preferred structure often transitions into a 3-2-2-3 formation in possession, demanding midfielders who are comfortable dropping into defence, progressing the ball and supporting attacks.Rodri’s intelligence, positional awareness and versatility make him an ideal fit for that system.
During Spain’s successful World Cup campaign, he frequently alternated between defensive midfield and central defence, while also stepping forward to dictate attacks whenever space opened up. (Agencies)
