Manchester City lose Doku as Rodri exit reshapes squad
Newcastle are exploring a move for City midfielder Nico Gonzalez after other midfield targets fell through. City would want to recoup much of the £52m paid to Porto in 2025.
Rodri has chosen Barcelona’s No 16 shirt after leaving City, a number he previously wore with City and Spain. Fermin Lopez’s switch to No 7 opened the way.
City have opened talks with Bournemouth for Alex Scott after Rodri’s exit, while interest in Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez remains and Ayyoub Bouaddi is expected to advance.
Jeremy Doku is set to miss several weeks with a calf injury after Arsenal. He will miss Bournemouth, and City’s lack of wide options heightens the need to sign a winger.
Preview of City’s 2026-27 season under Enzo Maresca: Haaland leads title hopes, but Rodri’s exit leaves a midfield void. Prediction - 2nd, with Bournemouth first up.
Wigan Athletic are poised to sign City youngster Charlie Gray on loan after he was spotted at their EFL Trophy win, alongside targets Reggie Walsh and Luke Harris.
Nico O’Reilly could move from left-back into midfield as City look short in the engine room before Bournemouth, with Rodri gone, Reijnders set to leave and Gonzalez uncertain.
Carles Puyol hailed Rodri’s move from City to Barcelona as 'very good news', saying one of the world’s best midfielders will add balance and make their midfield much stronger.
Former City forward Julian Alvarez liked City’s Rodri farewell video after the midfielder joined Barcelona, fuelling talk over Alvarez’s own wish to leave Atletico for the Catalan club.
Erling Haaland tops EA Sports FC 27’s Premier League ratings with 91. Gianluigi Donnarumma and Ruben Dias are among City players rated highly, while ex-City midfielder Rodri has 90.
Rodri’s switch from City to Barcelona drew a fierce reaction from Real Madrid journalist Tomas Roncero, who said he had 'squandered paradise' by rejecting the Bernabeu.
Rodri’s move from City to Barcelona prompted Mourinho to reveal Real Madrid pulled out because the midfielder hesitated. He called Rodri 'extraordinary' but wanted no second thoughts.
Rodri’s move from City to Barcelona is framed as a boost for Flick, Pedri and Cubarsi, while Frenkie de Jong, Gavi and Real Madrid are cast as losers.
Former City midfielder Bernardo Silva was presented by Real Madrid after signing until 2028, saying playing for the club ‘isn’t for everyone’ as he eyes more trophies.
Everton CEO Angus Kinnear confirmed contact with Jack Grealish after his loan spell, but stressed he is still a City player as Maresca leaves exits open.
Rodri has joined Barcelona after 298 City games, 14 trophies and the 2023 Champions League-winning goal. He said his 'heart will always be blue' as he bid farewell.
Richard Masters said he understands frustration over the delay to City’s 115 charges case, but gave no timeline, while Arsenal chief executive Richard Garlick called for clarity.
