BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND – MAY 19: Rodri of Manchester City appears dejected following the team’s 1-1 draw in the Premier League match between Bournemouth and Manchester City at Vitality Stadium on May 19, 2026 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)
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Manchester City’s era of dominance under Pep Guardiola has entered a new chapter following the summer departure of key midfielder Rodri to Barcelona. The 30-year-old midfielder concluded a remarkable seven-year tenure at the Etihad Stadium, where he redefining the base-of-midfield role and winning the Ballon d’Or as the world’s best midfielder.
Rodri served as the fulcrum of City’s success, controlling tempo and dictating play from deep positions during their trophy-laden period under Guardiola. His departure marks the end of an era and the beginning of a rebuilding process for the club.
CARDIFF, WALES – AUGUST 16: Elliot Anderson of Manchester City during the 2026 FA Community Shield match between Arsenal and Manchester City at Principality Stadium on August 16, 2026 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
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To fill the void, Manchester City have secured Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for a club-record fee of $154 million. The 23-year-old, who starred for England at the 2026 World Cup, is expected to take on the pivotal role at the base of midfield. In possession, Anderson has demonstrated strong progressive passing abilities and will likely serve as the team’s new playmaker.
However, defensive limitations could prove problematic. City’s backline appeared vulnerable in their recent Community Shield loss to Arsenal, raising concerns about Anderson’s ability to match Rodri’s defensive contributions. The new midfielder will need significant development to replicate his predecessor’s impact.
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – JULY 09: Ayyoub Bouaddi #6 of Morocco controls the ball during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter Final match between France and Morocco at Boston Stadium on July 09, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
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Young Moroccan prospect Ayyoub Bouaddi is reportedly close to joining from Lille. Bouaddi impressed during Morocco’s World Cup run and possesses significant potential as a deep-lying playmaker. However, his inexperience suggests he’ll require seasoning before becoming a regular starter.
Enzo Fernandez has also been linked with a move. New City manager Enzo Maresca, who previously worked with Fernandez at Chelsea, is said to be interested in reuniting with the Argentine star. Despite the interest, Fernandez’s more attacking mentality differs significantly from Rodri’s disciplined defensive Midfield role, indicating he would not serve as a direct replacement.
As Manchester City navigate this transitional period, Maresca faces the challenge of establishing his tactical identity while maintaining competitiveness. The departures of both Rodri and Guardiola have intensified scrutiny over the club’s future direction and Maresca’s ability to lead the team to continued success.
