Enzo Maresca reiterated the importance of Rodri to Manchester City and claimed reports he is poised to join Real Madrid were just speculation. The 30-year-old has 12 months left on his contract at the Etihad and is a key target this summer for Madrid with their president Florentino Perez performing a u-turn having said previously they werent interested in the former Atletico man.Rodri is currently sidelined having undergone a minor back operation but that is not expected to prevent Madrid from making an offer in the next 48 hours that could rise to �51million.Speaking before Citys pre-season clash with Inter Milan in Hong Kong tomorrow, Maresca said: Its just speculation at the moment. Rodri had the surgery last Monday; everything was fine. Now, some days off and hell be back with us when he finishes his holiday.The main focus for him when the season finished was the World Cup. Now, he is enjoying some rest after that and we didnt have any conversations just focused on Rodri.Table of ContentsRodri is very important to City, says MarescaCity not done in the window just yetRodri is very important to City, says MarescaAsked to outline the importance of the 2024 Ballon dOr winner, who was also the recipient of the 2026 World Cup Golden Ball for best player after captaining his country to the title, to City in his first season in charge, Maresca replied: Very important. I said in the first press conference that any manager in the world wants Rodri because hes a top player; so its important for me, the club and for everyone.But now, he needs his holiday thats very important when we start to play every three days.Having already lost Bernardo SIlva to Madrid this summer, City would be reluctant to sanction the departure of another experienced midfielder.They have brought in England international Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for �116m and are believed to be closing in on Lilles Morocco international Ayyoub Bouaddi.City not done in the window just yetAnd Maresca hinted City might be in the market for more players before the season gets underway next month.He said: We are talking with [sporting director] Hugo [Viana], with the club about some targets. Its a normal situation when the transfer window is open, anything can happen. For sure, we are going to do something but we are looking at different positions.In this moment, we have, as you know, many young players here. Tomorrow, three of the senior players are going to arrive and slowly, the rest. Im happy at the moment to work with the ones who are here. Topics Manchester City F.C. Real Madrid CF Rodri Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Man City away kit 2026/27: Full details on new shirt and strip Ben Miller 31st July, 2026 Real Madrid 2026/27: Rodri, Diomande and Cucurella how the XI could look under Mourinho Jon Fisher 29th July, 2026 Another new look for Vinicius Jr? 101 GreatGoals 29th July, 2026 BREAKING: Real Madrid in talks with Manchester City over signing of Rodri Jon Fisher 29th July, 2026 Real Madrid 4-1 Leganes: Los Blancos continue pre-season preperations with another win Mitch Fretton 28th July, 2026 Vinicius Junior set to stay at Real Madrid amid Arsenal interest Mitch Fretton 28th July, 2026
