Top News

Rodri to Barcelona Finalised? Enzo Maresca Says ‘Anything Can Happen’ as Manchester City Star’s Future Hangs in Balance

Samira Vishwas | August 14, 2026 9:24 PM CST

With the transfer window on the verge of closing, a big move remains on the cards as Rodri’s future remains up in the air. With rumours heavily spreading about Rodri’s transfer from Manchester City to Barcelona FC, the former’s manager Enzo Maresca expressed optimism but remained tight lipped at the same time.

“I gave him a big hug” – Enzo Maresca on Rodri

The uncertainty comes the morning after an apparent picture of Rodri travelling on a budget ‌Ryanair flight from Madrid to Liverpool went viral on social media, with the former Ballon d’Or winner spotted carrying a small suitcase bearing his name, national team flag and squad number.

Maresca confirmed the World Cup winner is fit to return to training after undergoing back surgery at the end of July.

Asked if he was aware of reports that Chelsea had set a Friday deadline for bids for the London club’s Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez and whether that meant City would be doing any transfer business in the next 24 hours, Maresca smiled and said City will not make any new signings on Friday.

While talk of Rodri, a cornerstone of City’s success in recent seasons, potentially leaving the club has dominated the headlines, Maresca insisted his attention ‌was on ⁠Sunday’s match rather than the transfer window.

The Italian dismissed any suggestion that the Community Shield, which sees the Premier League champions face the FA Cup winners, should be viewed ⁠as a glorified friendly, saying City were determined to start the season with silverware.

Maresca is seeking his first silverware as manager of City after taking charge following the departure of Pep Guardiola at the end of last season.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Aayushman Vishwanathan

The post Rodri to Barcelona Finalised? Enzo Maresca Says ‘Anything Can Happen’ as Manchester City Star’s Future Hangs in Balance appeared first on NewsX.