Rodri should now be very frustrated after hearing who could leave Man City this summer

The summer of 2025 promises to be a pivotal period for Manchester City, with decisions made during this transfer window potentially shaping the club’s trajectory for years to come. At the heart of these developments lies a complex web of player relationships, tactical considerations, and strategic planning that could leave some of the club’s most important players feeling frustrated and uncertain about their future roles.

Rodri’s Critical Comeback Season

The 2025/2026 campaign represents what could be the most defining season of Rodri’s illustrious career. The Spanish midfielder, who captured the football world’s attention by winning the Ballon d’Or in 2024, now faces the monumental challenge of returning to his peak performance levels following his recovery from a serious ACL injury. This injury, which sidelined him for a significant portion of the previous season, has raised questions about his long-term fitness and ability to maintain the exceptional standards that made him the world’s best player.

At 28 years old, Rodri finds himself at a crucial juncture in his career. The midfielder has been vocal about his ongoing fitness concerns since returning from his ACL injury, acknowledging that the road to full recovery is both physically and mentally demanding. The challenge facing him is multifaceted: not only must he regain his physical conditioning and match sharpness, but he must also overcome the psychological barriers that often accompany such serious injuries.

The importance of Rodri’s return to form cannot be overstated for Manchester City’s ambitions. His influence on the team’s playing style and success has been immense, with his ability to dictate tempo, break up opposition attacks, and provide the foundation for City’s possession-based approach making him irreplaceable in Pep Guardiola’s tactical system. The club’s performance levels often correlate directly with Rodri’s presence and form, making his successful comeback essential for their continued dominance.

Alan Shearer, the former England striker and current football analyst, has expressed realistic expectations about Rodri’s return, noting that players typically require time to feel like their former selves after recovering from ACL injuries. This observation reflects the broader medical understanding that such injuries not only affect physical capabilities but also impact a player’s confidence and natural instincts on the pitch. The psychological aspect of recovery from major injuries is often underestimated, yet it plays a crucial role in a player’s ability to perform at the highest level.

The Nico Gonzalez Conundrum

Perhaps the most surprising development in Manchester City’s summer transfer activities has been the revelation that Nico Gonzalez, the Portuguese midfielder who joined the club in February 2025, could be departing the Etihad Stadium just months after his arrival. This potential exit has sent shockwaves through the football world, particularly given the timing and circumstances surrounding his brief tenure at the club.

Nico Gonzalez’s situation at Manchester City represents a fascinating case study in modern football’s complexities. When he arrived from Porto in February, many expected him to serve as Rodri’s natural understudy, providing crucial depth in the defensive midfield position. His profile seemed perfect for City’s needs: a young, talented midfielder with the physical attributes and technical skills to complement Guardiola’s tactical approach.

The 23-year-old’s performances, while limited in number, have shown glimpses of his potential. His displays against Fulham and Newcastle United, in particular, demonstrated several qualities that align with City’s requirements in the defensive midfield role. His passing range, vocal presence on the pitch, and ability to navigate through tight spaces with the ball have all been encouraging signs for his development.

What makes Gonzalez particularly valuable in City’s context is his physical profile and defensive capabilities. Unlike some of City’s other midfield options such as Ilkay Gundogan, Bernardo Silva, and Mateo Kovacic, Gonzalez possesses the engine and physical presence to anchor the back four effectively. His proficiency in winning duels and aerial battles provides a different dimension to City’s midfield, offering tactical flexibility that could prove valuable across different competitions and match situations.

However, despite these promising attributes, Manchester City’s hierarchy appears to have been underwhelmed by Gonzalez’s overall impact since his arrival. This assessment raises questions about the club’s expectations, the player’s adaptation to English football, and the broader strategic planning around the defensive midfield position.

Rodri’s Frustration: A Justified Concern

From Rodri’s perspective, the potential departure of Nico Gonzalez represents a significant source of frustration, and his concerns appear entirely justified. As someone recovering from a major injury and aware of the physical demands of playing at the highest level, Rodri understands better than most the importance of having reliable backup options in his position.

The Spanish midfielder’s frustration stems from several factors. First, Gonzalez represents the only player in City’s current squad who has demonstrated the specific qualities needed to excel in the number six role. While City boasts an abundance of midfield talent, most of their options are better suited to more advanced positions or lack the defensive discipline required for the deepest midfield role.

Second, Rodri recognizes that his own injury history and the physical demands of his position make it essential to have a capable deputy who can step in when needed. The 2024/2025 season highlighted City’s vulnerability when Rodri was unavailable, with the team’s performance levels dropping noticeably in his absence. Having a player like Gonzalez who can provide similar defensive stability would be invaluable for squad rotation and injury management.

Third, from a developmental perspective, Rodri likely sees the value in having Gonzalez learn from him directly. The Portuguese midfielder’s raw talents could be refined through close working relationships and mentorship, potentially creating a long-term solution for City’s defensive midfield needs. The investment in developing young talent often pays dividends over time, and Gonzalez represents exactly the type of player who could benefit from such guidance.

The Martin Zubimendi Factor

Adding another layer of complexity to this situation is the revelation that Rodri had personally recommended Martin Zubimendi as a potential replacement during the January transfer window. Zubimendi, the Spanish midfielder who has since joined Arsenal, was apparently Rodri’s preferred choice for adding depth to City’s midfield options.

The fact that Zubimendi has now moved to Arsenal, one of City’s main title rivals, adds a strategic dimension to this transfer saga. Rodri’s recommendation suggests he recognized Zubimendi’s quality and suitability for City’s playing style, making the player’s move to a direct competitor particularly galling from both personal and professional perspectives.

This development also raises questions about City’s transfer decision-making process. If Rodri, arguably their most important player in that position, specifically recommended a player who then joined a rival club, it suggests either a lack of communication between player and management or differing assessments of player value and priority.

The timing of Zubimendi’s move to Arsenal is particularly significant given the competitive landscape of the Premier League. Arsenal’s acquisition of a player personally recommended by Rodri for City could provide them with tactical advantages in direct encounters between the two clubs, as well as strengthening their overall squad depth.

Tactical Implications and Squad Balance

The potential departure of Nico Gonzalez and the missed opportunity to sign Zubimendi have significant tactical implications for Manchester City’s approach to the upcoming season. Pep Guardiola’s tactical system relies heavily on having players who can fulfill specific roles with precision, and the defensive midfield position is arguably the most crucial in his setup.

Without adequate cover for Rodri, City may be forced to adapt their tactical approach when their key midfielder is unavailable. This could mean playing with a less defensively solid midfield configuration, potentially exposing their defense to greater pressure and disrupting their usual possession-based approach.

The emergence of Tijjani Reijnders as a potential partner for Rodri adds another dimension to these tactical considerations. While Reijnders’ statistics from recent matches show promise—completing 64 out of 72 passes with a 92% success rate and demonstrating his ability to progress the ball into the final third—he is primarily a central midfielder rather than a natural defensive midfielder.

Reijnders’ profile suggests he would be better suited to playing alongside Rodri rather than replacing him, which reinforces the importance of having a true backup option for the Spanish midfielder. His ability to contribute in both defensive and attacking phases makes him a valuable squad addition, but it doesn’t solve the fundamental issue of depth in the defensive midfield position.

The Broader Context of City’s Transfer Strategy

Manchester City’s approach to the transfer market in recent years has been characterized by strategic planning and long-term thinking. However, the situation surrounding Nico Gonzalez and the defensive midfield position highlights some of the challenges inherent in this approach.

The club’s ability to identify and develop young talent has been one of their strengths, as evidenced by their continued investment in academy prospects like Ethan Fullen from Newcastle United’s Under-15 side and the potential signing of Kaylum Moss from Liverpool. These acquisitions represent the club’s commitment to building for the future while maintaining their competitive edge in the present.

However, the potential departure of Gonzalez so soon after his arrival raises questions about the integration process for new signings and the expectations placed on players adapting to City’s unique playing style. The transition to English football and Guardiola’s tactical demands can be challenging for even the most talented players, and perhaps insufficient time was given for Gonzalez to fully demonstrate his capabilities.

Performance Analysis: Rodri’s Recent Form

Rodri’s recent performances provide insight into his current condition and the challenges he faces in returning to his best form. His showing against Juventus demonstrated flashes of his former brilliance, but his performances against Al-Hilal and Wydad AC at the FIFA Club World Cup revealed some concerning signs.

The Spanish midfielder appeared leggy and less assured in possession during these matches, which is uncharacteristic of a player known for his composure and ball-playing ability. These performances illustrate the ongoing effects of his injury layoff and the time required to regain full match fitness and confidence.

The psychological aspect of recovery from major injuries cannot be underestimated. Players often experience a period of uncertainty and hesitation as they rebuild confidence in their physical capabilities. For a player like Rodri, whose game relies heavily on precise positioning and split-second decision-making, any hesitation or lack of confidence can significantly impact performance levels.

The Financial Implications

The potential sale of Nico Gonzalez also carries significant financial implications for Manchester City. Having invested in the player during the January transfer window, moving him on so quickly would represent a substantial financial loss and raise questions about the club’s recruitment strategy.

Modern football’s financial landscape means that every transfer decision carries weight beyond purely sporting considerations. The ability to recoup investment in players who don’t immediately establish themselves becomes crucial for maintaining financial flexibility and compliance with various regulations.

Additionally, the cost of finding alternative solutions for the defensive midfield position may prove more expensive than persisting with Gonzalez’s development. The current transfer market shows inflated prices for players with specific skill sets, and City may find themselves paying premium prices for players who offer similar qualities to the Portuguese midfielder they’re considering selling.

Looking Ahead: Strategic Considerations

As Manchester City navigate this complex situation, several strategic considerations must be balanced. The immediate need to support Rodri’s return to full fitness and form must be weighed against long-term planning for the position.

The club’s decision-makers must consider whether giving Gonzalez more time to adapt and develop would be more beneficial than seeking alternative solutions in the transfer market. The Portuguese midfielder’s age and potential suggest that patience could be rewarded with significant returns on investment.

Alternatively, if the club genuinely believes that Gonzalez isn’t suited to their needs, moving him on quickly could allow them to pursue other targets who might be better fits for their tactical system. However, this approach carries risks, particularly if suitable alternatives aren’t readily available.

The competitive landscape also plays a role in these decisions. With Arsenal strengthening their squad through the acquisition of Zubimendi, City cannot afford to weaken their own position by making hasty decisions about their squad composition.

Conclusion: A Defining Moment

The situation surrounding Nico Gonzalez’s potential departure represents a defining moment for Manchester City’s strategic planning and squad management. The decisions made in the coming weeks will have far-reaching implications for the club’s competitiveness and Rodri’s satisfaction with his supporting cast.

For Rodri, the frustration he feels about potentially losing his most natural understudy is entirely understandable. As he works to return to his peak performance levels, having confidence in the squad’s depth and quality becomes increasingly important. The Spanish midfielder’s concerns reflect not just personal preferences but also a deep understanding of what the team needs to maintain its competitive edge.

The broader implications extend beyond individual player satisfaction to encompass tactical flexibility, financial prudence, and long-term strategic planning. Manchester City’s ability to navigate this situation successfully will test their reputation as one of the most well-run clubs in modern football.

As the summer transfer window progresses, all eyes will be on how City resolves this dilemma. The decision