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For the first time since the 2019–20 campaign, Manchester City must cope without Rodri anchoring their midfield—and new manager Enzo Maresca has reportedly identified Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister as a possible successor.
Rodri touched down in Barcelona on Monday after reportedly agreeing to a deal worth as much as $87.8 million (€76.5 million at the time of signing) with the reigning Spanish champions. The newly crowned World Cup winner turned down both City and Real Madrid to embark on a fresh chapter in Catalonia alongside several of his Spain international teammates.
Life after Rodri looks bleak for City; the Premier League club went without silverware in 2024–25 while the midfielder sat out most of the season with an ACL injury, and they were recently thrashed 3–0 by Arsenal in the Community Shield.
Despite splashing out on Elliot Anderson and ongoing negotiations with Moroccan sensation Ayyoub Bouaddi, City still require someone to fill the void Rodri has left behind. BBC Sport reports that Mac Allister "interests" Maresca.
The Argentine, contracted to Liverpool through June 2028, offers a comparable profile to Rodri, providing Maresca with another seasoned, tactically astute deep-lying playmaker who boasts strong defensive qualities. However, Mac Allister's dip in form last season somewhat tarnished what had previously been a glowing reputation.
Even so, the 2022 World Cup winner would be a valuable addition to virtually any midfield, though he is likely not Maresca's top priority.
How Enzo Fernández Fits Into the Equation
It is no secret that Maresca has been dreaming of a reunion with Enzo Fernández. The pair worked together at Chelsea, and the midfielder hit his peak form under the Italian coach.
It was only after Maresca departed Stamford Bridge on New Year's Day that Fernández began openly hinting at a transfer, which earned him a two-match suspension from the Chelsea hierarchy. Real Madrid were his preferred destination, but the 15-time European champions publicly stated they have "no intention" of signing the 25-year-old.
City subsequently emerged as a potential exit route for Fernández. Reports indicated the club made direct contact with the Argentine's representatives, but balked at his $162 million (£120 million) asking price. Chelsea then set a firm deadline for any offers at that figure, yet City—or any other interested party—failed to act before time ran out.
Nevertheless, a late move for Fernández has not been entirely ruled out by the Cityzens, though the situation has grown more complex. The Telegraph reports that City could now be forced to pay in excess of $162 million for the midfielder after missing the original deadline.
It would require a bold move from City to "try and convince" Chelsea to part with Fernández "with time running out to replace him." Only a higher bid or an agreement on "more favorable terms" would be entertained by the Blues.
Where Chelsea Stand Amid City's Pursuit
As Fernández continues to dominate transfer headlines this summer, Chelsea are by all accounts planning for 2026–27 with the midfielder still in their squad. The 25-year-old returned to the pitch in the Blues' 3–1 preseason win over Real Sociedad at the weekend, receiving a mixed response from supporters at Stamford Bridge.
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Adding to Fernández's complicated relationship with the fanbase was his equalizer for Argentina against England in the 2026 World Cup semifinals, which played a key role in helping La Albiceleste knock out the Three Lions.
Despite the recent turbulence, Chelsea "remain optimistic" that Fernández can be "reintegrated" into the west London club, per The Telegraph. The Blues expect the Argentina international to "remain their player" next season and play a key role in the new era under Xabi Alonso.
Should the unexpected occur, however, and Fernández departs before the window shuts, the club is reportedly eyeing Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott as a potential replacement.