Back to News
Champions LeagueAugust 18, 2026

Manchester City is looking for new solutions for the midfield

The possible departures of Rodri and Reijnders present City with new challenges in midfield. Coach Maresca now has to find solutions.

Manchester City is looking for new solutions for the midfield

Manchester City is looking for new solutions for the midfield

According to Sports.

Background

Rodri, who played a key role in Manchester City's Champions League victory in 2023, is the focus of transfer rumors. With just one year left on his contract, his departure could significantly change the structure of the team. Enzo Maresca, the new coach, has the challenge of succeeding Pep Guardiola and must ensure that the midfield remains competitive.

Why this is important

The possible departure of Rodri and Tijanni Reijnders presents Manchester City with significant challenges in midfield. Coach Enzo Maresca must quickly find solutions to fill the gap that could arise from the departure of these key players. Additionally, the loss of Bernardo Silva could further complicate the situation as City rely on creative players to remain competitive in the title race.

Key findings

  • Manchester City is looking for new solutions for the midfield.
  • The possible departures of Rodri and Reijnders present City with new challenges in midfield.
  • Inside Man City's midfield rebuild and the £300m question that will shape their future - Yahoo Sports.
Image Rodri's return flight to Manchester was anything but glamorous, as the professional footballer was traveling from Liverpool to Manchester on a Ryanair flight. It was unclear whether the Spaniard should even be on this flight because FC Barcelona had made several offers for the player. It is not known whether Rodri had to hand over his hand luggage, which also contained the Ballon d'Or, to Ryanair or whether he was allowed to take it into the cabin with him. However, Rodri hugged new Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca when he arrived in Manchester. Maresca had coached Rodri when he scored the decisive goal to win the Champions League for City in 2023. It is unclear whether Maresca Rodri will still train in the future. The Spaniard has undergone minor back surgery and will also be unavailable for Barcelona's third bid for City's upcoming game, the Community Shield against Arsenal. However, should Rodri actually leave Barcelona, ​​Maresca would have to look for a new central midfielder, as the departures of Bernardo Silva and the £51m move of Tijanni Reijnders to Al Qadsiah mean that Maresca will need new central midfield players. While Rodri and Silva held the central positions at City last season, there are still no permanent players for these positions in the new season. A new addition, but for... The person slated for this position is Elliot Anderson. The 23-year-old was signed from Newcastle for £116 million and is considered a major talent. However, he is also just a player. While City still have plenty of options in midfield on paper, there is a lot of uncertainty about the players who will play there this season. "We are at a moment where players who have been here for many years have either already left or will leave, and that means there are changes," Maresca said. It is unclear whether Rodri, considered the best player at the last World Cup, will leave the club. City have eyed two new players for the midfield: Moises Caicedo from Chelsea and young Ayyoub Bouaddi, who could also be signed by Chelsea. However, both players would be very expensive and there is speculation that the transfer fees for the two players combined could be up to £300 million. However, it is unclear whether Maresca will rely on the signings of these two players, as Rodri's future is also uncertain. "We need to be able to find solutions for the players as soon as the transfer window closes," Maresca said. But what solutions these will be is currently unclear.

What happens next

If Rodri does move to Barcelona, Maresca will be forced to sign new players for central midfield. City is expected to becomes active in the transfer market to compensate for the departures and strengthen the team for the coming season. The situation could also impact the development of talent like Elliot Anderson, who could potentially receive more playing time.

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Rodri?

Rodri returned to Manchester on a Ryanair flight from Liverpool after undergoing minor back surgery.

Who made the offers for Rodri?

FC Barcelona have made several offers for Rodri.

Why is the situation surrounding Rodri important now?

The situation is important as Rodri will not be available for the upcoming game against Arsenal due to his back operation and Barcelona may seek a transfer.

What changes are coming for Manchester City?

Manchester City will have to look for new central midfielders as Rodri and Bernardo Silva may no longer be available and Tijanni Reijnders has moved to Al Qadsiah.

What does Rodri's return mean for the new coach Enzo Maresca?

Rodri hugged Enzo Maresca upon his return, but it is unclear whether Maresca will coach Rodri in the future, especially if Rodri moves to Barcelona.

Related articles

Häufig gestellte Fragen

What happened to Rodri?
Rodri returned to Manchester on a Ryanair flight from Liverpool after undergoing minor back surgery.
Who made the offers for Rodri?
FC Barcelona have made several offers for Rodri.
Why is the situation surrounding Rodri important now?
The situation is important as Rodri will not be available for the upcoming game against Arsenal due to his back surgery and Barcelona may seek a transfer.
What changes are in store for Manchester City?
Manchester City will have to look for new central midfielders as Rodri and Bernardo Silva may no longer be available and Tijanni Reijnders has moved to Al Qadsiah.
What does Rodri's return mean for new coach Enzo Maresca?
Rodri hugged Enzo Maresca upon his return, but it is unclear whether Maresca will coach Rodri in the future, especially if Rodri moves to Barcelona.
What happened in this story?
Manchester City is looking for new solutions for the midfield summarizes the main development covered in this report.
Who confirmed this news?
See the source attribution in the article for where this report was first published or corroborated.