Rodri’s exit may trigger Enzo Fernandez reunion with Enzo Maresca

Rodri’s potential departure from Manchester City has become a defining storyline of the 2026 summer transfer window, with FC Barcelona aggressively chasing the Spanish midfielder for a fee near €55 million and a player inclusion. He is due to report to training on Friday, two days before the Community Shield clash with Arsenal.

Barcelona's pursuit of Rodri

FC Barcelona emerged as the leading suitor, preferring the midfielder over Real Madrid as they aim to strengthen their midfield core. The Catalan club must negotiate a fee close to €55 million with the Premier League champions to secure the deal. Reports suggest a player could be added to the agreement to finalise the transfer.

Rodri’s exit is viewed as one of the defining storylines of the 2026 summer window, prompting speculation about the ripple effects across Europe. While Maresca has publicly stated that he expects Rodri to report back when Manchester City resume training, the Spanish midfielder’s long‑term future appears to lie outside England. We anticipate that his departure would force City into the market for a central‑midfield replacement.

Manchester City eye Enzo Fernandez

Manchester City are reportedly targeting Argentine midfielder Enzo Fernandez to reunite him with manager Enzo Maresca. The interest is described as “100% concrete” by Argentina insider Gaston Edul, indicating a serious intent rather than exploratory talks. Maresca previously managed Fernandez at Chelsea and wants to integrate him into City’s system.

Chelsea have set Fernandez’s asking price at £120 million, a slight increase over the £107 million paid to Benfica in January 2023. TalkSPORT and transfer expert Ben Jacobs suggest the valuation could be negotiable, though timing is critical with less than a month left in the window and the Premier League season launching in two weeks. While the Argentine favours a move to the Etihad Stadium, his status at Stamford Bridge remains fluid.

The relationship with Maresca is a decisive factor; Fernandez posted a heartfelt message after the Italian manager’s departure, thanking him for the titles they won together. “Mister, thank you for everything we shared and experienced during this stage,” he wrote, highlighting the strong rapport that could influence his decision. Current Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso still expects Fernandez in his squad.

During preseason, Manchester City deployed Mateo Kovacic and Tijjani Reijnders in a double pivot, with Nico Gonzalez providing depth. Losing Rodri would create a significant void in central midfield, making the acquisition of Fernandez a logical step to restore balance. The Argentine’s proven international experience would offer a ready replacement.

Final details of Rodri’s departure remain unresolved, but his likelihood of leaving is judged far higher than staying. Should the move materialise, Manchester City will need to act swiftly to reinforce their midfield, with Fernandez positioned as the primary target to fill the gap left by the Spanish midfielder.