Rodri has returned to Manchester City. Spain’s World Cup-winning captain has completed his holidays after leading his country to their second World Cup triumph. Rodri also underwent minor back surgery after the World Cup ended. While Rodri has returned to City, the biggest question seems to be for how long considering that Barcelona are pushing to sign Manchester City’s midfield general.
Enzo Maresca was happy to see Rodri back at Manchester City but he knows that anything can happen before the transfer window closes.
Speaking during his pre-game press conference yesterday, ahead of Manchester City’s FA Community Shield clash with Arsenal, Enzo Maresca revealed that Rodri returned to Manchester City yesterday. Maresca revealed that he was happy to see Rodri. However he admitted that anything could happen in the remainder of the transfer window given how heavily linked Rodri is to a move to Barcelona. Maresca explained: “First of all, the transfer window is open. We can buy players, we can sell players, anything can happen.”
“I just saw Rodri now in the building, I gave him a big hug. He looks good, so we’ll see what happens. Now we will have time to see each other a little bit more.“
There was no doubt that Rodri would return to Manchester City after his holidays. That was never in question. Rodri isn’t the type of character to go ‘on strike’ to force a move back to Spain. He will remain professional while the uncertainty around his future continues to swirl. However, it remains to be seen just how long Rodri will be back at City for.
It has also been revealed that it is unlikely that Rodri will train with his City teammates which does indicate that he will be off sooner rather than later.
The Daily Mail’s Manchester City reporter, Jack Gaughan, joined Esteemed Kompany host Steven McInerney on the City Social podcast yesterday. Gaughan revealed that he doesn’t believe that Rodri will train with his Manchester City teammates. Jack Gaughan added that he is expecting Rodri to complete his move to Barcelona. Gaughan explained: “I don’t think Rodri will train next week. I think things will be resolved with Barcelona.”
Rodri is back at Manchester City. That news in itself isn’t a major surprise. However, you do wonder how long it will be before Rodri signs for Barcelona. It is up to Barcelona to agree to Manchester City’s terms to sign Rodri. Provided that Barcelona do that, it would appear that Rodri’s return to the Etihad will be brief.
I appreciate Rodri feels the draw of his own country in wanting to finish his stellar career at the top in Spain but I wonder how much he reflects on how those two clubs have. behaved towards him.
Firstly there was the appaling behaviour of Real Madrid in boycotting the Balon d Or ceremony Rodri righfully won because the organisers didnt do what Real demanded.
Now after Real flirted with signing Rodri they pulled out after being expected to compenate City for his transfer. Then when they pulled out Barcelona thought theyd have a go at acquiring Rodri at mates rates and even now despite claiming to want to sign him theyve yet to grasp the fact that despite theyre a financial basket case City still expect to be paid whats hes worth rather than what Barcelona claim to be able to afford.
Is that the way to treat the Worlds best midfielder? I dont think it is. Id be surprised if Rodri thinks it is.
Those are all valid points, can’t argue against any of them.
It just seems that Rodri has his heart set on returning home, and if Barcelona do the right thing it will happen. Whether or not they do, or continue to try to be the smartest club in the room will dictate it. My bet is on Barca trying their ‘cheap’ approach.
Adam love the way you summarise Barcelona. How long can they keep getting away with acting Billy big balls. They come across more as slimey cheap skates these days.
To think I used to admire them.
It’s very sad for Rodri because he has already made it clear that he wants to join Barcelona. However, the bid Manchester City has put forward is worth considering. Rodri is currently one of the best defensive midfielders in the world. He is a World Cup winner, won the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player, and was the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner.
If Barcelona is trying to be clever by offering such a low price for a player of Rodri’s quality, then he should seriously consider staying at Manchester City. He deserves much more respect and value than that. Accepting such a cheap offer would be embarrassing for Rodri and would undervalue what he has achieved in the game.
Have Barcelona really got that much money to spend. Real, a much richer Club withdrew when the sum of £38m was rejected by Barca. Also they have just shelled out a fortune on the over priced Anthony Gordon and they baulked at paying Utd £28m to get Rashford. I reckon City have actually pushed them to their limit (which probably included installment payments over the next 5 years) so I think they are more than likely have to drop their pursuit and get him for nothing next year. Do City want to blow a guaranteed £60m for the sake of £10m?