Rodri’s high-profile exit marks the end of a trophy-laden seven-year spell in Manchester, where he racked up 298 appearances and lifted 12 major honors—including scoring the historic winner in the 2023 Champions League Final. His departure deals a massive blow to new City boss Enzo Maresca, following an unprecedented summer exodus that has seen Pep Guardiola step down alongside the departures of Bernardo Silva, John Stones, Nathan Aké, and Manuel Akanji.

To replace their talismanic midfielder, Manchester City is reportedly in advanced talks with Lille to sign 18-year-old deep-lying conductor Ayyoub Bouaddi for a fee estimated around £85 million.