Barcelona Receive a Signal About Rodri’s Future
Rodri Hernández’s future is once again at the center of the transfer market. While FC Barcelona continue working on a potential move for the Spanish midfielder, Enzo Maresca stopped short of guaranteeing his future at Manchester City, making a comment that has only fueled speculation over a possible departure.
During his press conference ahead of the Community Shield against Arsenal, the Italian coach revealed that he had seen Rodri at the club’s training facilities, but when asked directly about the midfielder’s future, he pointed out that the transfer window remains open.
“We can buy and sell players. Anything can happen,” Maresca said.
His comments come at an important moment in the negotiations between City and Barça.
Maresca Reunites With Rodri
Rodri returned to Manchester City’s facilities following his vacation, although he is not yet available to train normally.
Maresca explained that the Spaniard is continuing his rehabilitation following back surgery and that the plan, as long as he remains at the club, is for him to rejoin the squad once he is physically ready.
The coach also revealed that he greeted the midfielder with a hug and will have more time to speak with him over the coming days.
However, he never completely closed the door on a transfer.
And that is where Barcelona come back into the picture.
The Catalan club have made Rodri one of their main targets to strengthen the midfield and have already made several moves in an attempt to get closer to City’s financial demands.
Barcelona Have Already Been Rejected Again
As previously reported, negotiations have not been easy.
Manchester City already rejected an initial Barcelona proposal worth around €45 million plus add-ons. Barça then returned with an improved offer reportedly worth between €55 million and €60 million guaranteed, with bonuses potentially taking the total package to approximately €65 million.
The answer was no once again.
City want between €70 million and €80 million guaranteed for Rodri, a figure Barcelona have yet to put on the table.
There is still a gap, although the two sides appear to be much closer than they were when negotiations began.
There is also another important factor: the Spaniard’s contract expires in 2027. If there is no extension, City will have increasingly less leverage to command a significant transfer fee for his departure.
Enzo Fernández Also Enters the Equation
Rodri’s potential departure has also been linked to Manchester City’s plans in the transfer market.
Enzo Fernández has been mentioned as one of the players the English club are interested in signing to strengthen their midfield. Maresca, however, refused to get drawn into the speculation.
The Italian pointed out that the Argentine belongs to Chelsea and said he does not believe it is appropriate to publicly discuss players who are under contract with other clubs.
The potential deal would also be extremely expensive. Chelsea are reportedly demanding close to £120 million for the Argentine world champion.
That is why a major sale could help City make further moves during the final weeks of the transfer window.
Barcelona Remain Hopeful
Despite having two offers rejected, FC Barcelona remain confident that they can find a formula to complete the signing of Rodri Hernández.
The midfielder has reportedly shown a willingness to wear the Blaugrana shirt, and much of the negotiation now depends on whether the two clubs can find common ground.
Maresca’s comments also did not sound like those of a manager ready to declare his midfielder untouchable.
He did not confirm a departure.
But he did not guarantee Rodri’s future either.
“Anything can happen.”
With the transfer window still open, Barcelona continuing to push and Manchester City holding firm on their financial demands, Rodri’s future remains completely open.
