Manchester City is preparing for further negotiations with Barcelona regarding midfielder Rodri, seeking to recoup over £60 million for the player who was named player of the tournament at the recent World Cup. Rodri is expected to return to Manchester on Friday after being granted an extended holiday following back surgery, which coincided with his World Cup success. However, given his rehabilitation and the increasing likelihood of his departure from the club, his return for regular pre-season testing is not guaranteed.
Sources indicate that the 30-year-old midfielder is in the final year of his contract, and his exit has been anticipated for some time, particularly following manager Pep Guardiola's comments last autumn. Guardiola suggested that Rodri's form throughout the season might be impacted, with a resurgence reserved for international play. This observation, delivered with a notable tone, hinted at underlying issues, with City's medical staff reportedly working to manage Rodri's eagerness to return from injuries.
Despite some believing his performances in the World Cup, played at a slower pace due to temperature conditions, prove his continued elite status, a closer examination of his impact at Manchester City presents a different picture. In the past two seasons, the team has demonstrated a higher win rate in matches where Rodri did not start. Specifically, in the Premier League, the win percentage is halved when he begins the game, compared to a 60.3% success rate in his absence. This trend extends to all competitions, with more games won without Rodri starting than during his tenure with the club.
Mashable is not an exact science, and City still concede fewer goals when Rodri plays as the defensive midfielder. However, the statistical comparison is noteworthy. The club's transfer activities suggest a move away from relying heavily on Rodri. Proactive denials of interest in Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez have since transitioned to silence, with Fernandez reportedly keen to reunite with former manager Enzo Maresca. Additionally, Lille's World Cup standout Ayyoub Bouaddi is nearing a move to City for a reported £85 million. While City sources state Bouaddi's pursuit is independent of Rodri's situation, his physicality and on-field intelligence suggest readiness for senior team impact, albeit with carefully managed minutes.
Maresca's tactical approach appears to favor a more dynamic midfield. The club's record signing, Elliot Anderson, who cost £116 million, seems inclined towards a box-to-box role rather than directly replacing Rodri. Anderson has expressed a desire for a more expansive role, citing Kevin De Bruyne as an inspiration. He believes his aggression and passing ability are well-suited to the Premier League, and in Maresca's pre-season formations featuring a two-man midfield, Anderson is expected to play a forward-driving role.
Mateo Kovacic is currently ahead of Nico Gonzalez in the midfield pecking order and is slated to start in the Community Shield against Arsenal. Both Kovacic and Gonzalez have publicly stated their intention to remain with the club this summer. The demanding physical requirements of Maresca's system are evident, with players like Phil Foden or Rayan Cherki potentially operating in advanced midfield roles alongside Erling Haaland. Maresca is evaluating several options for the second midfield position, emphasizing the crucial role of a player who can penetrate opposition defenses, a trait showcased by Tijjani Reijnders in recent friendlies.
Anderson, reflecting on his World Cup experience, conveyed confidence in his decision to join City, despite the initial challenge of choosing between clubs. He acknowledges the significant step up in competition and is eager to contribute to the team's success.