Enzo Maresca provides Rodri update amid Barcelona interest | OneFootball

Rodri Return Date Gives Manchester City Clarity Amid Barcelona Transfer Interest

Manchester City are expecting Rodri back in Manchester next week, with Enzo Maresca offering a firm update as transfer interest in the Spain international continues to circulate ahead of the new season.

The midfielder remains a prominent target in the market, with Barcelona still keen and further movement anticipated after an initial approach. Real Madrid have also been linked, although City’s position is understood to be clear. The Premier League champions are not actively looking to sell Rodri and any meaningful shift would require an offer in the region of £68.5m.

For now, the key development centres on his recovery and immediate availability. Rodri is working his way back from back surgery, a situation that could yet affect his involvement at the beginning of the campaign. Even so, Maresca has indicated the 29-year-old is due back with the squad on August 14, a date that provides some short-term certainty for the club as preparations continue.

Manchester City Stand Firm on Rodri Future

Speaking after City’s latest pre-season outing, Maresca said: “Yes, at the moment he will be in Manchester. There is no update… On August 14 he will be back.” It is the strongest indication yet that, despite the speculation, City are planning with Rodri in place.

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That stance will matter. Rodri remains one of the defining figures in City’s midfield structure, bringing control, balance and authority in possession. His return timetable will be monitored closely, particularly with the Community Shield against Arsenal approaching next weekend.

Seoul Win Offers More Encouragement

City also had encouraging signs on the pitch in Seoul, where they came from behind to beat Atletico Madrid 3-1. Jorge Dominguez gave the Spanish side a half-time lead, but the response after the interval was impressive.

Omar Marmoush struck twice in quick succession, with Antoine Semenyo producing an outstanding assist for the first, before Rayan Ait-Nouri wrapped up the victory late on. It was another useful step in pre-season, although the Rodri situation remains one of the biggest talking points around City as the season draws closer.