Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has opened up on Rodri’s future amidst his links with European giants Real Madrid.
Enzo Maresca addressed the growing speculation surrounding Rodri’s future during a press conference in Hong Kong, insisting the Spanish midfielder is currently focused on recovering from a demanding campaign rather than discussing a potential move to Real Madrid.
Rodri has been heavily linked with a return to Spain. While the Spanish giants are reportedly hoping to complete a deal worth around €50 million, Manchester City value one of their most influential players significantly higher, with recent reports indicating they want closer to €75 million before considering a sale.
Los Blancos are now actively pushing to sign the 30-year-old despite reluctance from Florentino Perez initially, with reports suggesting the two clubs remain apart in their valuation of the midfielder.
Despite the ongoing rumours, Maresca refused to be drawn into transfer speculation during his press conference in Hong Kong ahead of City’s pre-season friendly against Inter Milan. Instead, the Italian stressed that Rodri’s priority following the conclusion of the season has been taking a well-earned break after winning the World Cup with Spain.
“The main focus for him when the season finished was the World Cup. Now, he enjoys some rest after that,” Maresca said via Sky Sports.
The Manchester City boss also revealed that there have been no discussions centred specifically on the midfielder’s future.
“We didn’t have any conversations just focused on Rodri,” he added.
Maresca would love to see Rodri continue at City
Maresca made no attempt to hide how important the Spain international remains to Manchester City’s plans, describing him as one of the best midfielders in world football.
“I said in the first press conference that any manager in the world wants Rodri because he’s a top player, so it’s important for me, for the club, for everyone.”
Those comments underline City’s desire to retain the experienced midfielder despite Real Madrid’s persistent interest.
Rodri’s stock rose even further this summer after a superb World Cup campaign. Although injuries restricted him to 33 appearances for Manchester City last season, he returned to top form on the international stage, producing commanding displays throughout the tournament and reminding everyone why he remains one of the world’s elite holding midfielders.
Real Madrid believe the Spaniard is the ideal player to strengthen the heart of their midfield and have started pushing hard for a possible transfer. For now, though, Maresca appears more concerned about ensuring Rodri returns refreshed for the new campaign than engaging in transfer discussions.
“Now, he needs his holiday, which is very important when we start to play every three days,” the Manchester City manager concluded.
Whether those words signal confidence that Rodri will remain at the Etihad Stadium or simply reflect the current situation remains to be seen, but the midfielder’s future is expected to dominate headlines until the transfer window closes.
