Manager Maresca says the club will try to find the new Rodri after the captain left for La Liga champions. During seven seasons, the midfielder won the 2024 Ballon d'Or, four Premier League titles, and scored in the 2023 Champions League final. After a World Cup triumph, he signed a four-year contract following a fee near £65m.

Maresca compared the situation to past exits, noting that when Aguero and Erling Haaland left, replacements immediately arrived. He stated, "It is normal, it is change, it is not a problem, go again and try to do the right things." City have already secured a Nottingham Forest midfielder for a record £115m, while advanced talks continue with multiple European stars.

With ten days left in the transfer window, Maresca recognized the typical end-of-window pressure. He emphasized adapting to player departure requests and avoiding retention of unwilling squad members. While clubs often wait until the final week to maximize sale values, the immediate goal remains executing necessary business to strengthen the squad.