Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Rodri will return to Manchester City next week, ending weeks of speculation surrounding the Ballon d’Or winner’s future at the Etihad Stadium.
Maresca Confirms Rodri Return Date as Manchester City Reject Barcelona Bid
The Manchester City manager revealed the Spain international is scheduled to return on August 14, despite ongoing interest from European giants Barcelona and Real Madrid.
“Yes, at the moment he will be in Manchester,” Maresca told reporters following City’s 3-1 pre-season victory over Atlético Madrid in Seoul.
“There is no update. On Aug. 14 he will be back.”
The 30-year-old midfielder currently finds himself in the final year of his contract with the Premier League champions, intensifying rumours of a potential summer departure.
Barcelona recently tested City’s resolve with a €50 million ($58 million) offer for the World Cup winner, but the English champions swiftly rejected the proposal.
Sources indicate that City will not entertain any bids below the €80 million ($92 million) mark, valuing their influential midfielder significantly higher than the Catalan club’s initial approach.
Rodri, who played a pivotal role in Spain’s World Cup triumph and earned the tournament’s best player award, continues his recovery from back surgery.
The operation may force him to miss the beginning of the 2026-27 campaign, though his return to Manchester represents a positive step in his rehabilitation.
Maresca addressed the speculation surrounding his star player after watching his team overcome a halftime deficit in Seoul.
Jorge Dominguez had given Atlético the lead in the 43rd minute, but Omar Marmoush responded with two quick goals after the interval, the first arriving via an exquisite assist from Antoine Semenyo. Rayan Aït-Nouri sealed the victory with a late third.
Manchester City now prepare for next weekend’s Community Shield clash against Arsenal before beginning their Premier League campaign on August 23 against AFC Bournemouth at the Etihad.
The fixture marks the start of a new era for the club, with Maresca taking charge following Pep Guardiola’s departure after a decade at the helm.
The return of their midfield linchpin will undoubtedly boost City’s preparations, with Maresca keen to integrate Rodri back into the squad as they defend their Premier League crown.
