Enzo Maresca announced that Rodri is expected to return to Manchester City next week, amid ongoing speculation about the Spain midfielder’s future.
Recently, City declined a €50 million ($58 million) bid from Barcelona for the Ballon d’Or winner, who is in the last year of his contract at the Etihad Stadium.
Following City’s 3-1 victory against Atlético Madrid in Seoul on Sunday, Maresca was questioned about any updates on Rodri’s situation from City’s director of football, Hugo Viana, and whether he anticipated Rodri would be present in Manchester before next weekend’s Community Shield against Arsenal.
“Yes, he will be in Manchester for now,” Maresca stated. “There are no updates. He will return on August 14.”
Rodri is also attracting interest from LaLiga rivals Real Madrid, but reports suggest that City is unwilling to allow the World Cup winner to leave for anything less than €80 million ($92 million).
Rodri, who was named player of the tournament as he assisted Spain in securing the World Cup, is currently recovering from back surgery and may miss the season’s start.
In their recent match, City overcame a halftime deficit to defeat Atlético in Seoul. After falling behind to Jorge Dominguez’s 43rd-minute goal, Omar Marmoush quickly netted two goals, the first set up by a superb assist from Antoine Semenyo. Rayan Aït-Nouri added a third goal late in the match.
Manchester City will commence their Premier League campaign without Pep Guardiola for the first time in a decade on August 23 at home against AFC Bournemouth.
This report includes information from PA.