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Manchester City 'fear Rodri could try to force Barcelona move'

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 06 February 2023

Man City 'fear Rodri could try to force Barcelona move'

Manchester City are reportedly fearful that Rodri could push for a move to Barcelona, who are on the lookout for a successor to Sergio Busquets.

Manchester City are reportedly concerned that key midfielder Rodri could attempt to force a summer switch to Barcelona.

The Spain international continues to play an integral role in the heart of Pep Guardiola's midfield, starting 19 Premier League games for the reigning champions this season.

Rodri has come up with one goal and five assists in 31 games across all tournaments in the 2022-23 campaign, taking his total for the club to 14 goals and 14 assists in 182 games.

The 26-year-old has played his part in two Premier League title triumphs since joining from Atletico Madrid in 2019, as well as collecting two EFL Cups and a Community Shield.

Rodri is contracted to Guardiola's side until 2027 - having only signed a long-term extension last summer - but Football Insider claims that club chiefs are worried about his future.

Manchester City's Rodri pictured on January 1, 2022 © Reuters

The English champions are playing catch-up to Arsenal in the race for the Premier League title this season and are five points behind the Gunners - who have a game in hand - at the top of the table.

City could have cut that gap down to two points after the Gunners lost 1-0 to Everton on Saturday, but they were defeated by the same scoreline against Tottenham Hotspur a day later.

Furthermore, the Citizens have been hit with charges of over 100 alleged financial breaches by the Premier League, which could lead to severe financial and/or sporting sanctions if proven.

The report states that Barcelona have identified Rodri as the perfect successor to the long-serving Sergio Busquets, who is likely to leave at the end of his contract this summer.

City supposedly believe that Rodri would be keen on a return to Spain after four years in the Premier League, but they will demand a hefty fee to let him leave just one year after his new contract was signed.

Rodri scores a disallowed goal for Manchester City on October 11, 2022 © Reuters

Prior to joining the English champions, Rodri came through the academy systems at Villarreal and Atletico Madrid before rejoining the Rojiblancos from the Yellow Submarine in 2018.

The midfielder spent just one more season with Diego Simeone's side before his exit for the Etihad, but Man City could be facing untold punishments if found guilty of their alleged financial breaches by an independent commission.

The Citizens have been hit with charges relating to manager and player contracts, as well as failing to disclose accurate financial information regarding revenue and operating costs.

City expressed their shock at the charges in a statement, which read: "Manchester City is surprised by the issuing of these alleged breaches of the Premier League Rules, particularly given the extensive engagement and vast amount of detailed materials that the EPL has been provided with.

"The club welcomes the review of this matter by an independent commission, to impartially consider the comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence that exists in support of its position. As such we look forward to this matter being put to rest once and for all."

Man City are next in action at home to Aston Villa on Sunday before a trip to the Emirates to face league leaders Arsenal next Wednesday.