Enzo Maresca has been Manchester City boss for just six weeks, but he could already face a major decision over Rodri’s future.
Rodri has been heavily linked with a return to Spain and is entering the final year of his contract. City have already rejected a £38.5m bid from Barcelona, while Real Madrid have also shown interest.
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After helping City win the Treble in 2023 and Spain lift the Euros a year later, Rodri’s progress was disrupted by an anterior cruciate ligament injury. However, he returned to his best form last season and captained Spain to World Cup glory.
Losing Rodri after seven years at the club would leave Maresca with a huge void to fill, and according to BBC Sport, City have explored a potential move for Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister.
The Argentina international has two years remaining on his contract at Anfield and has been a key figure since joining Liverpool.
Although he struggled for consistency during the 2025-26 campaign, his Premier League experience could make him an attractive option.
Mac Allister’s versatility would also appeal to City, with the 27-year-old capable of playing as a holding midfielder or in a more box-to-box role.
If Rodri leaves, Maresca’s side could be short of leaders, with club captain Bernardo Silva and experienced defenders John Stones and Nathan Ake also departing.
Maresca is reportedly keen to have a homegrown player in his leadership group, which currently includes Rodri, Ruben Dias and Erling Haaland.
Despite his vocal personality, Haaland may not fit Maresca’s profile for a captain on the pitch, leaving Dias as the leading candidate for the armband.
“Erling was one of the first to send a message when I joined the club,” said Maresca. At Leicester and Chelsea I had a rule that when we scored the captain had to come to the bench, not to celebrate, but for instructions. But if he scores, then he can celebrate. If Erling is the captain, we have a problem… can you imagine?”