After City's 3-1 win over Atlético Madrid in Seoul on Sunday, Maresca was asked if he received any update on Rodri's future from City's director of football Hugo Viana, and whether he expected to see him in Manchester when City return ahead of next weekend's Community Shield against Arsenal.
Enzo Maresca has said Rodri is due back with Manchester City next week amid continuing speculation over the Spain midfielder’s future. Man City this week rejected a €45million (£38.5m) offer from Barcelona for the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, with the 30-year-old in the final year of his contract at the Etihad Stadium.
After Man City’s 3-1 win over Atletico Madrid in Seoul on Sunday, Maresca was asked if he received any update on Rodri’s future from City’s director of football Hugo Viana, and whether he expected to see him in Manchester when City return ahead of next weekend’s Community Shield against Arsenal. “Yes, at the moment he will be in Manchester,” Maresca said. “There is no update… On August 14 he will be back.”
Since anchoring Spain’s midfield during their World Cup title run ending on July 19, Rodri has not rejoined squad activities. Rodri, who was named player of the tournament as he helped Spain lift the World Cup, is recovering from back surgery which could see him miss the start of the season.
Personal terms between the player and Barcelona are fully finalized, leaving the two clubs to negotiate a final transfer fee. Evening Standard reported that Standard Sport, meanwhile, understands that Barcelona are expected to come back with a second bid for the former Atletico Madrid midfielder.
Last week, Rodri’s representative disclosed that the 2026 World Cup Golden Ball winner elected to join Barcelona despite receiving an ‘unrefusable’ offer from Real Madrid.