Maresca refuses to rule out Rodri exit before transfer deadline

Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has refused to rule out Rodri leaving the club for Barcelona before the transfer window closes, saying “anything can happen” as speculation continues over the Spain midfielder’s future.

Rodri’s situation has come under renewed scrutiny after an apparent photograph of the player travelling from Madrid to Liverpool on a budget Ryanair flight spread widely on social media. The former Ballon d’Or winner was reportedly seen with a small suitcase displaying his name, the Spain flag and his squad number.

Maresca was asked about the uncertainty before Manchester City’s Community Shield meeting with Premier League champions Arsenal in Cardiff.

“First of all, we already said the transfer window is open; we can buy and sell players, [and] anything can happen,” Maresca told reporters.

The Manchester City manager said he had seen Rodri at the club and suggested the midfielder was in good condition.

“I’ve just seen Rodri in the building. I gave him a big hug; he looks good, so we’ll see what happens.”

Maresca also confirmed that Rodri is fit to return to training after undergoing back surgery at the end of July. The World Cup winner has been a key part of Manchester City’s success in recent seasons, and reports of a possible move to Barcelona have dominated the build-up to the new campaign.

Despite the transfer speculation, Maresca said his immediate priority was the Community Shield rather than potential arrivals or departures. He acknowledged that the club could still conduct further business before the window closes, although the scale of that activity remains uncertain.

“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.

“Depends also if players are going to leave. It depends. 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.”

The Community Shield is contested by the Premier League champions and the FA Cup winners, but Maresca rejected the suggestion that the match should be treated as little more than a pre-season friendly.

He said Manchester City were determined to win the first piece of silverware available to them this season.

“For me personally it’s a trophy. And when the trophy is there, the final is there, [and] you always try to win the game,” Maresca said.

“So, no friendly at all. It’s a trophy that we’re going to try our best to win, to win the first trophy.”

The match represents an opportunity for Maresca to claim his first trophy as Manchester City manager. He took charge after Pep Guardiola’s departure at the end of last season.

For now, however, Rodri’s future remains unresolved, with Maresca making clear that the club’s plans could still change before the transfer window shuts.