Manchester City midfielder Rodri has returned to the club following his extended break after Spain’s World Cup victory and subsequent minor back surgery. However, uncertainty surrounds the Spanish international’s future at the Etihad as Barcelona continues to pursue a deal to bring him back to La Liga.
Manager Enzo Maresca acknowledged Rodri’s arrival during his pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday’s Community Shield clash against Arsenal, stating he was pleased to see the midfielder back in the building. Despite this warm welcome, Maresca remained cautious about what the future holds, noting that the transfer window remains open and circumstances can change rapidly given Barcelona’s sustained interest in the player.
Reports suggest that Rodri is unlikely to participate in training sessions with his teammates in the coming weeks, a development that indicates his departure may be imminent. According to Manchester City correspondents, there is an expectation that negotiations between the two clubs will soon reach a conclusion, with Barcelona widely anticipated to finalize the transfer in the near term.
While Rodri’s return to Manchester City marks his professional commitment to the club, the brevity of his stay appears increasingly likely. The resolution of his future now depends on Barcelona meeting Manchester City’s valuation demands for the World Cup-winning midfielder.
