The Sky Blues are keeping an eye on three midfielders who are all doing well in the Premier League, but if they can fill the shoes of Rodri, who is the world’s best midfielder, something he proved in this summer’s disastrous World Cup.
Manchester City have begun their search for a midfielder in the 2026 summer transfer window to replace Rodri, who has requested a move to FC Barcelona despite having a contract until June 2027. – There will be few reunions with national teammate Lamine Yamal who at the last minute managed to book a new girlfriend on Instagram before the World Cup.
Mark Goldbridge does not think Sander Berge to Manchester United is a good idea.
The English management rejected Barcelona’s initial bid of £40 million and is demanding £80 million to approve the sale. At the same time, they are considering Enzo Fernández, Adam Wharton, and Alex Scott to bolster Enzo Maresca’s squad.
Restructuring the midfield after Maresca’s arrival
After Enzo Maresca took over the Manchester City bench following Pep Guardiola’s departure, he is now shaping the midfield for the 2026/2027 season – considering that both Mateo Kovacic and Tijjani Reijnders are on their way out.
Manchester City have already confirmed the signing of Elliot Anderson and are negotiating to sign Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille for a sum of close to €25 million.
To complete the defensive midfield, Maresca has designated Enzo Fernández as his main target. The 25-year-old from Chelsea is valued at €120 million, and the Argentine wants to leave Stamford Bridge after the club failed to qualify for the Champions League. However, coach Xabi Alonso will only approve a sale if the London club first secures a replacement.
Premier League alternatives: Adam Wharton and Alex Scott
Manchester City’s second choice is Adam Wharton – a 22-year-old midfielder from Crystal Palace with a contract until 2029. The London club have no plans to negotiate a sale unless they receive a significant financial offer before the window closes.
The third option is Alex Scott, a 22-year-old midfielder from Bournemouth. The club’s management has priced him at 80 million euros. The Englishman is also on the radar of both Chelsea and Manchester United after a strong season in the Premier League.
Manchester City are now waiting for a response from FC Barcelona regarding the £80 million demand for Rodri by the second week of August. Once the transfer to the Spaniard is complete, Manchester City will enter into negotiations with one of the three candidates – Enzo Fernández, Adam Wharton or Alex Scott – to complete the final piece in midfield.
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