Manchester City are facing a major midfield rebuild as 2024 Ballon d'Or winner Rodri prepares to depart the Etihad Stadium. The Spanish midfielder has reportedly rejected Real Madrid in favor of a move to Barcelona, entering the final year of his contract with a desire to fit into Camp Nou's tactical philosophy.
To fill the massive void left by Rodri, Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has identified Chelsea star Enzo Fernandez as his primary target. Having previously worked together at Stamford Bridge, Maresca views the 2022 World Cup winner as the ideal conductor to maintain City's midfield rhythm and dominance.
However, securing the Argentine playmaker will be no easy task. Chelsea consider Fernandez an indispensable core player, and teammate Moises Caicedo has publicly urged him to remain in London. Meanwhile, City are also planning for the long term, having agreed personal terms with 18-year-old Moroccan prodigy Ayyoub Bouaddi while preparing Elliot Anderson for a larger role next season.