MANCHESTER CITY are gearing up for a midfield spending spree after Rodri joined Barcelona.
The World Cup winner, 30, has joined the Spanish champions in a deal worth an initial £51million. Tijjani Reijnders is also departing to join Saudi side Al-Qadsiah for £52m.
Man City are lining up a move for Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton Credit: Getty
Man City are continuing their midfield rebuild after losing Rodri to Barcelona Credit: Getty
With the pair having departed, following Bernardo Silva out of the door this summer, City are continuing their midfield rebuild.
Elliot Anderson has already arrived from Nottingham Forest in a £116m deal, but new boss Enzo Maresca is seeking more additions in the middle.
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City are yet to decide whether to test Chelsea‘s resolve with a move for Argentine international Enzo Fernandez.
The Blues set a 5pm deadline last Friday for any bid to meet their then £120m asking price for the 25-year-old, who was a key figure under Maresca at Stamford Bridge.
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They now expect their vice-captain to stay for the coming season, though that could change were City to make a serious approach.
However, their asking price is thought to have increased following their self-imposed deadline.
Ayyoub Bouaddi, the teenage Moroccan star, is a target while a move for Crystal Palace‘s Adam Wharton remains a possibility.
Lille value Bouaddi, 18, at £85m and while Palace’s price tag for Wharton is unclear, the Eagles are likely to be guided by the £100m package
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Tottenham paid Newcastle for Sandro Tonali and City’s deal for Anderson.On bidding goodbye to The Etihad, former Ballon d’Or winner Rodri penned a message to City fans.
He said: “City didn’t just make me a grow as a player. They made me grow as a human.
“I saw my brother graduating from Manchester Metropolitan University. I could see my girlfriend working for the NHS. Manchester shaped my whole life.
“I will never forget stepping onto the pitch, seeing a sea of blue sing ‘nah, nah, nah, nah…CITY’, taking my scooter into town for a coffee, walking through the parks listening to Oasis and always loving Manchester’s great rain.
“So City fans, it’s time to say goodbye, thanks to the club, the fans, the staff and my teammates.
“This journey couldn’t be the same without you, my heart will always be Blue.”
