Rodri’s move from Manchester City to Barcelona could have major consequences for Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández, with City now needing to rethink their midfield plans.
Rodri’s impending move from Manchester City to Barcelona could have an unexpected knock-on effect on Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández. City have reportedly agreed to sell Rodri to Barcelona for £65.4 million, bringing an end to a transfer saga that has dominated the final stages of the summer window.
For Enzo, the significance is obvious. Manchester City had identified the Argentina international as one of their preferred options to strengthen their midfield should Rodri leave. With the Spanish midfielder now heading for Barcelona, City’s need for a replacement has become much more urgent.
Rodri’s Departure Changes City’s Transfer Plans
Rodri has been central to City’s success since arriving from Atlético Madrid in 2019, making 298 appearances and winning 12 major trophies. Losing a player of that importance leaves Pep Guardiola’s former club with a huge gap to fill, particularly in defensive midfield.
🚨🔵🔴 EXCLUSIVE: RODRI TO BARCELONA, HERE WE GO! 💥
Deal agreed for Spanish midfielder to join Barça from Man City, all done for the former Ballon d’Or.
Green light from Man City to last Barcelona bid.
More follows. 💣 pic.twitter.com/ECs2v6HIHX
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 16, 2026
That is where Enzo becomes particularly interesting. Although he is not a direct stylistic replacement for Rodri, Fernández offers the passing range, technical quality and ability to control games that could appeal to City’s new coaching setup.
Reports have already suggested City see him as a possible solution.
Why Chelsea are Unlikely To Sell
Chelsea, however, have little reason to sell. The club have reportedly valued Fernández at around £120 million and previously set a deadline for Manchester City to meet their valuation. That figure would make him an extremely expensive replacement for Rodri.
There is also a footballing argument for Chelsea keeping him. Fernández has become an important part of the midfield at Stamford Bridge, and moving him would leave Chelsea needing to find another high-level midfielder at short notice.
🚨 Alonso wants to coach Enzo Fernandez, but he is not against the sale if reinforcements were to arrive. Chelsea would return “strongly on the market”. (@edu17burgos) #CFC
— Pys (@CFCPys) August 17, 2026
Chelsea have already set a deadline for Manchester City to send a bid for Enzo. The deadline passed last week Friday, and Chelsea now consider the door closed for Enzo’s departure.
Manchester City believe they could test Chelsea’s resolve before the transfer window ends, but whether Chelsea would agree is still up for discussion.
City are also exploring other options, including Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, while Alexis Mac Allister has reportedly emerged as another possibility. That means Fernández is not City’s only solution, but the Rodri transfer ensures the position is now one of the club’s most pressing priorities.
For Chelsea, therefore, the Barcelona move could turn into a major test of their resolve. If City decide that Fernández is the midfielder they want to build around after Rodri’s departure, they may have to come back with a huge offer. But unless that offer reaches Chelsea’s valuation, the more likely outcome is that Enzo remains at Stamford Bridge and City look elsewhere.
