The main contenders to replace Rodri at Man City
As a move for Manchester City midfielder Rodri looks increasingly likely, BBC Sport takes a look at the options to replace him.
With Manchester City's new manager Enzo Maresca potentially facing the challenge of replacing their captain and World Cup-winning star, Rodri, speculation is rife about who could fill the high-profile boots. The Italian manager, who took over just six weeks ago, is on the hunt for a replacement that can match Rodri's leadership and skill on the field.
One name that has been making headlines is Lille's Bouaddi. The Moroccan midfielder, who starred in the World Cup last summer, is seen as a potential deep-lying playmaker, akin to Rodri's style of play. His experience and ability to control the game from the center of midfield make him a strong contender for the role.
Another candidate is Ruben Fernández, who City have been heavily linked with. The Argentine midfielder, currently valued at £120m by his current club Chelsea, would bring leadership and experience to the squad. Maresca, who worked alongside Fernández at Chelsea, sees him as a natural leader for the team.
City has also been exploring the possibility of signing Arsenal's Scott McTominay. The young English midfielder, known for his energy and ability to carry the ball forward, has been linked with a move to the Etihad Stadium. His style of play aligns well with Maresca's preferred approach, and his versatility as a midfielder makes him an enticing option for the club.
While Mac Allister, the Argentine midfielder currently at Liverpool, has also been linked with a move to City, his contract situation at Anfield and his form in the 2025-26 season have made his transfer less likely. However, his experience and versatility could still make him a viable option for Maresca's midfield if the club decides to go that route.
Ultimately, the decision on who will replace Rodri will come down to a combination of experience, leadership qualities, and price. With Maresca keen on bringing in a homegrown player in the leadership group, the club will be looking for someone who can step up and fill the void left by their captain and World Cup hero.
Written by urgent.news from BBC Sport Football's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
