Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has refused to provide clarity on Rodri’s future amid growing speculation linking the Spain midfielder with a move to Barcelona, insisting that “anything can happen” before the transfer window closes.
The uncertainty surrounding the midfielder intensified after an apparent photograph of Rodri travelling on a budget Ryanair flight from Madrid to Liverpool went viral on social media. The former Ballon d’Or winner was reportedly seen carrying a small suitcase bearing his name, Spain’s national team flag and his squad number.
Despite the speculation surrounding the Madrid trip, reports indicate that Real Madrid have cooled their interest in the midfielder because of the financial implications involved in completing a potential transfer.
Speaking to reporters on Friday ahead of Sunday’s Community Shield clash with Premier League champions Arsenal in Cardiff, Maresca said City could not rule out changes to their squad before the transfer window shuts.
“First of all, we already said the transfer window is open, we can buy and sell players, anything can happen,” Maresca said.
The City manager, however, appeared relaxed when discussing Rodri’s immediate situation, revealing that he had seen the midfielder at the club and that he appeared to be in good condition.
“I’ve just seen Rodri now in the building, I gave him a big hug, he looks good, so we’ll see what happens,” he said.
Maresca also confirmed that Rodri is fit to resume training after undergoing back surgery at the end of July.
Rodri has been a central figure in Manchester City’s success in recent seasons, making speculation about his potential departure particularly significant for the club.
The Spain international’s possible move has attracted attention from Barcelona, while Real Madrid’s reported interest has now cooled because of the financial demands associated with the deal.
With the transfer window still open, Maresca acknowledged that City could still make changes to their squad, although he stressed that his immediate priority was preparing for the Community Shield.
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Asked about reports that Chelsea had set a Friday deadline for bids for Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernández, and whether City could make any transfer moves within 24 hours, Maresca smiled and indicated that the club would not make any new signings on Friday.
He admitted that City still had work to do in the transfer market but said the number of potential arrivals would depend partly on whether any current players leave the club.
“For sure there are things we need to do. For now, how many, I don’t know. It can be one, it can be two players,” he said.
Maresca insisted, however, that the transfer speculation was not distracting him from Sunday’s Community Shield final against Arsenal.
The Italian said his immediate focus was on preparing the team for the match and attempting to secure his first trophy as Manchester City manager.
“Now in this moment, 48 hours before a final, my first in this club, my focus is not about players leaving or arriving, it’s just how we can prepare the best way in the game and try to win the final,” he said.
Maresca also rejected the idea that the Community Shield should be treated as a glorified friendly, stressing that City were determined to begin the new campaign with silverware.
He described the fixture, which pits the Premier League champions against the FA Cup winners, as a genuine final and said his team would give everything to win the trophy.
“For me personally it’s a trophy. And when the trophy is there, the final is there, you always try to win the game,” he said.
The Community Shield represents Maresca’s first opportunity to win silverware since taking charge of Manchester City following Pep Guardiola’s departure at the end of last season.
Meanwhile, Rodri’s future is expected to remain a major talking point as the transfer window approaches its closing stages, with Barcelona’s reported interest adding further uncertainty over the midfielder’s long-term stay at the Etihad.
Al Jazeera
