Patience will be required as Enzo Marescas Manchester City side comes togetherManchester City fell to a 3-0 defeat to Arsenal today in the FA Community Shield at the Principality Stadium. Mikel Artetas side was far too polished for Enzo Marescas side and they thoroughly deserved their convincing victory. Coming out of the match, it is clear that it will take time for Enzo Marescas side and system to come together. Patience is needed while Maresca puts his City side together which was clear to see throughout todays match against Arsenal.Enzo Marescas Manchester City side needs time to come together.Manchester City captain Ruben Dias spoke after his teams disappointing defeat at the hands of Arsenal. Dias acknowledged that City are beginning a new era, and that it may not be perfect at the beginning. He explained following Manchester Citys defeat: Its part of any transition for things to not be so perfect at the beginning. You need to push through, keep on working and communicate to make things work between us.I feel like were in a very good way. We need to keep working. There will be a lot of challenges along the way. Stay positive, look forward. We have our first Premier League game very soon and were looking forward to it.The assessment of Ruben Dias is on the money. Manchester City are in the process of undergoing a significant overhaul. Enzo Maresca has replaced Pep Guardiola in the dugout. Bernardo Silva, John Stones and Nathan Ake have all left the club. Rodri is also set to move to Barcelona.Those departures, coupled with Guardiolas have created a leadership void at City, one that will take time to be filled. Due to this, moments like today are likely to occur for Enzo Marescas side. The hope is that they arent as severe as todays defeat. But growing pains are to be expected to begin the Enzo Maresca era at Manchester City.There will be growing pains as the City side grows and adapts.Enzo Maresca did inherit a supremely talented squad. However, it is a young squad still learning how to win. Also, a host of Citys key players have only trained under Maresca for a few days before todays match. So time is needed for Marescas vision to come together. Todays match against Arsenal was a clear reminder of this fact.Todays 3-0 defeat to Arsenal doesnt write off the 2026-27 season for Manchester City. Far from it. Instead, it was a reminder that Marescas City side and vision need time to come together. Patience will be the order of the day as this City side learns the Maresca way and finds its own leaders. That is an expected process following on from the loss of a host of key and legendary figures at the club this summer.

One big move looks set to pave the way to another for Manchester CityRodri is set to depart for Manchester City to complete his move to Barcelona. Manchester Citys midfield general will get his move back to Spain, which he has desired. David Ornstein has reported for The Athletic that Barcelona will pay 65 million plus 10 million in add-ons to sign Rodri. Rodris imminent departure does look to have paved the way for City to finally complete their move to sign Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi. One big departure looks to have paved the way for Manchester City to kick on with the process of bolstering their midfield.Manchester City are set to secure the signing of Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille.Following on from the news that Rodri is set to get his move to Barcelona Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on Manchester Citys bid to sign Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi. Romano reports that City will now secure the signing of Bouaddi from Lille. Furthermore, Romano reports that Bouaddi will join Enzo Marescas squad this summer and will not be loaned back to Lille for the 2026-27 season.The dominos are falling as City bid to bolster their midfield.With the transfer window set to close in two weeks, it always looked like a busy time for Manchester City. They have needed players to depart to set the wheels in motion. Tijjani Reijnders and Rodri are on their way and it now looks like midfield reinforcements will come in.Based on Fabrizio Romanos latest report Ayyoub Bouaddi is set to join Enzo Marescas squad imminently. The 18-year-old looks set to be the player that can partner Elliot Anderson in Citys midfield. Ayyoub Bouaddi thrives playing as a holding midfielder and his performances for Lille and Morocco have him earmarked as one of the more exciting young midfielders in European football. Provided that City sign him, all indications are that they will, Enzo Marescas squad will be immediately strengthened.Rodris imminent departure looks set to have set Citys midfield rebuild in motion. That has always threatened to be the case. Ayyoub Bouaddi looks set to sign for City from Lille. The sooner that deal is complete, the better. That way Hugo Viana and company can move to further bolster Enzo Marescas squad. It is a process that must be done. There is no other alternative for City.

Markham, Ontario A new street court tested the perseverance and patience of INDYCAR drivers Sunday. Marcus Ericsson, a driver who hasnt won in nearly four years and nearly found himself out of a ride after this season but earned a contract extension last month thanks to his perseverance and patience, emerged victorious. Ericsson captured his first victory since March 2023 as he snapped a 63-race winless streak by claiming the inaugural win on the perilous streets of Markham, where the Ontario Grand Prix was relocated from Torontos Exhibition Place. Here are my takeaways: 1. Streak Snapped Ericsson indicated he felt that a win was coming with the performance this year, a 180 from last year when he finished 20th in the standings. A former Formula 1 driver and an Indianapolis 500 winner when at Ganassi, the Andretti Global driver entered Markham sitting ninth in the 2026 standings. "The thing in racing, you have to believe in yourself, right?"Ericsson said in his winners news conference. "I went eight years without a win when I went from F2, went in F1, then came to INDYCAR. It's easy to give up and do something else. "I always feel like mental strength and that ability to push myself, even when things doesn't go your way, it's been one of my biggest strengths as a driver." The 35-year-old driver led 21 of 90 laps, including the last five, after he easily passed a fuel-saving Romain Grosjean for the lead. It was likely a popular win considering Ericsson's path the lat few years. "I don't think there was any scenario last year where I would have won a race because I just wasn't fast and I wasn't happy with the way the car felt," Ericsson said. "It was no one's fault. Things didn't work out. We were in a bad spiral. It comes from working hard, putting the work in. There's nothing coming for free. You can't after a season like last year sit around and think hopefully next year will be better." 2. Streak Continued Romain Grosjean, who drives for Dale Coyne Racing, has no wins in 78 career INDYCAR starts since making the move from F1. His last victory in a single-seater car came in 2011 in a G2 Series race. "I cried a little, I'm not going to lie," Grosjean said in his postrace news conference. "But control what you can control. ... I did everything I could." 3. Power Nearly Ruins Teammates Day Will Power finished third but nearly ruined Ericssons chance to win when the two had contact when Ericsson passed him in the hairpin. Power said he wasnt trying to keep Ericsson from passing him. "I said [to my team], OK, I'll let him go on the backstraight so I can stay close to Palou," Power said in his postrace news conference about the contact. "He didn't get the message, or it wasn't quick enough for him. Miscommunication. I didn't even look in my mirror. I just turned. Obviously at that point, I was upset because we lost such a gap." Ericsson, who had pitted several laps later than Grosjean for his final stop and was several seconds behind at the time, said the contact was unfortunate and he and his teammate are good. "I was really eager to get by and sort of hunt down the leaders because I really felt like I had the pace to win," Ericsson said. 4. New Track, Mixed Reviews It might not be much of a surprise, but those who had great finishes loved the track while those who wrecked did not. The biggest issue was the lack of any curved barriers, which meant that the walls all came to a point. A misjudgment could result in hitting a wall and end ones day. Pole-sitter Louis Foster saw his race end after 42 laps and Kyle Kirkwoods ended in similar fashion 11 laps later. "They didnt come here with radius walls," Kirkwood told me and other reporters. "Thats been the new normal for INDYCAR is radius walls at all the apex. "As youre wrapping around the corner, you cant see the points and they surprise you a bit. But its not like it was any different than the rest of the weekend. It just can catch you off guard." 4 . Up Next: Freedom 250 The streets of Washington D.C. await INDYCAR drivers in what will be a spectacle in the nations capital on a 1.7-mile course. It will be one of the longest street-course races in decades at 250 miles with the start-finish line across from the U.S. Capitol.

LATROBE, Pa. Aaron Rodgers learned last season that he cant outrun the clock. Hes slower in his 40s than he used to be. His arm strength isnt there as consistently as it once was, either. Its his mind, though, that really keeps him going at age 42, in his 22nd and, as he vowed, his last NFL season. Its why his new (and old) coach, Mike McCarthy, is convinced they can make one more run at Super Bowl glory together. And its the quirky Rodgers best chance to out-maneuver the passage of time. "His minds incredibly sharp," McCarthy, the Steelers coach, told me before practice on Sunday at St. Vincent College. "But Ill be honest with you, his ball play in this camp has been top-notch. Obviously, Ive coached a lot of football with him, but his ability to place the football Im not saying he lost any velocity on the ball, but if he has, its definitely made up for with his anticipation. "So hes getting the ball where it needs to be, on time. Hes having a hell of a camp." McCarthy would know. This may be his first season coaching his hometown Steelers, but he spent 13 wildly successful seasons as Rodgers head coach in Green Bay. They went to the playoffs eight times, won a Super Bowl together, and he helped Rodgers develop into one of the greatest quarterbacks ever to play the game. The late-career reunion between the 62-year-old coach and his former protg has been "super cool," McCarthy told me. But its a lot more than just a trip down memory lane. He still sees Rodgers as a quarterback who can help him win. "Its super cool, just to be able to be part of his final chapter. Its awesome," McCarthy told me. "But I think he definitely fits the culture here. So yes, I think its a great story. "But I think we just want to win. Lets go win and do the things that we need to do to win. And hes such a competitor. I love the time, once we cross the white lines, when we get to just go out there and compete. And he is one of the greatest to ever play the game." Notice, he didnt say "was" a purposeful choice of words. Rodgers, by his own standards, was just OK last season, completing 65.7% of his passes for 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions. His age was showing, even as he dragged the Steelers to 10 wins and the AFC North title. He looked like a good quarterback overall, but not one capable of doing any of the magical things he used to do. But his mind, his processing skills and ability to see what others cant in a defense, give him and the Steelers an enormous advantage. And thats where the magic really happens, McCarthy said. "His mind is off the charts," McCarthy told me. "His anticipation and ability to throw people open, his instincts and he also matches it with his release, the way hes able to get the ball out of his hands so quickly and throw through the open window where (defenders) are running through. Thats the way you have to play and win in this league, because people are always covered. Its the job of the quarterback to throw them open." Even in practice, its clear that Rodgers still does that better than anyone. He has the patience to let a play develop, the wisdom to see what is about to happen, and the skills to put the ball in the only place it can go. And after almost every rep on Sunday, he was talking to his coaches, receivers and linemen, explaining to them exactly what he saw. Whether it all translates into wins, a playoff berth, or even one last run at a Super Bowl, probably depends on Rodgers 42-year-old body, and whether he can keep it from breaking down. But dont bet against that, even at his age, since hes played near-full seasons in seven of the past eight years. And if he can do it one more time, then maybe just maybe his mind is what will matter most, and he and McCarthy have enough left for one more magical run. The Steelers' defense was middling last season (17th in scoring), but they did have a surprisingly potent pass rush. It was "surprising" because they got 48 sacks (sixth in the NFL) despite a down year from T.J. Watt, their longtime star. He had only seven sacks just his third season not reaching double-digits (and his worst total in a full season). Its safe to say Pittsburgh expected more when it signed him to a three-year, $123 million extension last July. So he really needs to show that his two-year statistical decline isnt irreversible even though hell be 32 in October. Last season, his sack total was still the third-highest on the team. Imagine how potent the pass rush could be if Watt who had 19 sacks in 2023 and 11.5 in 2024 gets anywhere near his old form. The Steelers need that from the eight-time Pro Bowler. They know their quarterback will need as much support as he can get. Backing him with an aggressive, disruptive defense, preferably led by Watt, might be the best thing they could do to help Rodgers out. "I wouldnt do this if I didnt think I could win a Super Bowl. Once you lift that trophy up, theres nothing else in this business." Steelers coach Mike McCarthy told me Everything Is Riding On Aaron Rodgers 42-Year-Old Arm Theres a lot to like about this team that McCarthy inherited from Mike Tomlin. Its the core of a team that won 10 games last season, after all. And they should get a boost from McCarthy. Nothing against Tomlin. He had a phenomenal record in Pittsburgh over the past 19 years. But its possible that what he was preaching probably got a little stale. To get that new-coach boost, McCarthy will need T.J. Watt to bounce back, so the defense can be a little bit more like it's used to being in the Steel City. And the addition of Dowdle, who McCarthy developed into an RB1 in Dallas, could give Pittsburgh the running game it was missing last year. But winning all comes down to the same thing it came down to last year. The Steelers have an old quarterback, whos not quite what he used to be. And they need a lot from Rodgers at age 42. Hes still good and smart and capable of some big plays. But hes not the one-man show that he was a decade ago, or the error-free maestro he was five years ago when he won back-to-back MVPs. Hes no longer even a top 10 quarterback in the NFL. Last year, he was good enough to lead this team to the playoffs. But this year, the division could be much tougher if Lamar Jackson stays healthy in Baltimore and Joe Burrow is around for a whole season in Cincinnati. Getting to 10 wins again could be quite the challenge for Pittsburgh. Eight seems like a more realistic goal. And finishing better than third in the division could be pretty tough, too. First of all, Cleveland rocks. I dont care what people say about it, its always been an underrated city. OK, not always, but it certainly has become one. And Im sure Berea, Ohio home of the Browns rocks, too. If only it had a football team to match. Im sure new Browns coach Todd Monken thinks theres something positive about the team hes assembling on the shores of Lake Erie, and Ill travel three hours through the hills of Western Pennsylvania and the Ohio valley to find out apparently through a horrendous rain storm that is about to hit. (By the time I get there, by the way, Ill have driven almost 1,400 miles on this trip. I think Ive passed 1,400 Sheetz gas stations along the way, too. Not nearly as many Flying Js, though, so its probably good that Browns owner Jimmy Haslam sold all those.) Anyway, back to Haslams Browns: Myles Garrett is gone. Theres still no viable quarterback in place. Its hard to have faith in either Shedeur Sanders or whats left of Deshaun Watson. But people have underestimated and overlooked Cleveland the city, so maybe were all doing it to the Browns, too? I doubt it. But Im certainly on the lookout for positives. Im just not expecting to see many at practice on Monday afternoon.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. Jackson Koivuns inspired playoff run ended Sunday at the FedEx St. Jude Championship with the 21-year-old closing with an even-par 70 to tie for 24th.He needed a tie for seventh or better to have any chance of advancing to next weeks BMW Championship and his postseason chances largely unraveled on the 11th hole. But the games most promising young star said hes savored his time since breaking through for his first PGA Tour victory at last months 3M Open.Its been fun, Koivun said. Obviously, 3M was great and I had my game, but the last three weeks its just been a learning experience. To be honest, Ive never [played] four weeks in a row and learning how to recover and eat enough to not get exhausted.Looking back, if I play [No.] 11 in even par Im playing next week and that kind of stinks, but Im happy with how this summer turned out.Koivun made a triple-bogey 6 on the par-3 11th hole Sunday, bouncing his tee shot off a walking bridge and chipping his next shot into a water hazard. On Thursday, he made a double-bogey 5 on the hole, a difference of five shots that would have been enough to crack the top 50 in FEC points and earn him a spot in next weeks field.Despite missing out on the second playoff event, Koivun said his six events since joining the Tour have been an eye-opening experience.That Im not immortal, he laughed when asked what hes learned about himself. Its completely different, in college youre traveling a lot but its not four weeks on the road at four different spots. I need to learn to figure out how to eat more, Im losing weight.To be specific on that last point, Koivun said hes lost 10 pounds since turning professional in June, and thats not counting his week in Memphis with temperatures that hovered above 100 degrees all week.Its just a ton of learning experiences, Koivun said. Figuring out my game plan during practice rounds and all the fun stuff like that. Im excited for a little bit of a break before I get back into grind mode in the fall.Koivun was projected to finish 67th on the FedExCup points list and will need to improve that number in the fall if he hopes to play his way into the first few signature events of 2027. He said he plans to play the Biltmore Championship, a new fall stop scheduled for Sept. 17-20, and will decide what he might add after that.Koivun admitted that the postseason points list and a potential spot on the U.S. Presidents Cup team had been on his mind the last few weeks. Although hes well outside the top 6 automatic qualifiers for this years U.S. Presidents Cup team (53rd), he hoped to possibly impress captain Brandt Snedeker with a playoff run to the Tour Championship.Its been weighing on me a little bit and people talk about the Presidents Cup like I should be on the team, Koivun said. Simply, I know I can go out there and play and win for the Presidents Cup, I just dont think Ive proved that yet to the captain. It definitely weighed on me a little bit and I knew if I made it to the top 30 [and advanced to the Tour Championship] thered be a decent chance, but even just getting into the playoffs and going out and playing some good golf was a really fun experience.

Thailand's Jeeno Thitikul acknowledges fans as she closes out victory in the LPGA Portland Classic (Luke Hales)Jeeno Thitikul delivered clutch putts under pressure on Sunday, including a birdie at the 17th, to beat fellow Thais Chanettee Wannasaen and Arpichaya Yubol by one stroke at the LPGA Portland Classic.Second-ranked Jeeno had an eagle and eight birdies in her eight-under par 64 at Edgewater Country Club, where she seized the lead for good when she curled in a birdie at the penultimate hole on the way to a 22-under par total of 266.Her third title of the year, after victories in the Honda LPGA Thailand and the Mizuho America's Open, took her tally of LPGA trophies to 10."Every win, it means a lot," she said. "The sacrifice that we put in, the work that we put in. (I've) had a time that I have doubt, like what is going on in my game?"And then when you get it on, you're just like 'Wow, this is what you're waiting for.'"Chanettee, chasing a third LPGA crown, kept the pressure on, piling up nine birdies without a bogey in her nine-under 63.She had tied for the lead with a birdie of her own at 17, but settled for a par at 18 and finished with a 21-under total of 267.Jeeno had started the day two strokes behind co-leaders Sophia Schubert and Arpichaya -- each gunning for a first LPGA title.She charged up the leaderboard with six birdies in the first seven holes, including five in a row from the third through the seventh.She bounced back from a bogey at the ninth with an eagle at the par-five 10th, where she rolled in a 25-foot putt that gave her a one-shot lead.She remained one in front after a bogey at the par-five 12th and had the lead after a birdie at 14, but she needed every stroke coming in as Chanettee came up with five back-nine birdies.Jeeno made a crucial par-saving putt a 16 and after her birdie at 17 two-putted from off the green at 18 to seal the win.Arpichaya had kept herself in the hunt with four birdies in the first seven holes and after a bogey at the 12th closed with back-to-back birdies to seize her share of second.bb/ea

Indiana head football coach Curt Cignetti said hed like the Hoosiers to play Notre Dame, but under certain conditions. Yeah, Id like to play Notre Dame. They ought to come to our place twice, and well go up there once, since theyre not in a conference, Cignetti said during an interview on Big Ten Network with Dave Revsine on Friday.Id love to play them, he added. Itd be a great in-state game.Notre Dame might scoff at having to play twice at Indiana, where Memorial Stadium has a capacity of 53,524. Meanwhile, Notre Dame Stadium seats 77,622 spectators. "I'd love to play them. It'd be a great in-state game." Curt Cignetti on Notre Dame and future non-conference schedules pic.twitter.com/f6V9F02OIz Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) August 15, 2026Indiana and Notre Dame were set to play each other in a home-and-home series during the 2030 and 2031 seasons. But the Hoosiers decided to back out of the agreement, The Athletics Pete Sampson reported.To replace Indiana on its schedule, Notre Dame then renewed its series with USC, agreeing to a four-year contract that begins with the 2030 and 2031 games that were vacated by the Hoosiers. The games with Notre Dame were originally arranged in 2021, three years before Cignetti became Indianas head coach and eventually led the team to the 2025 national championship. However, Indiana athletics officials and Cignetti have stated that the preference is for the Hoosiers non-conference schedule to be filled with non-Power 4 opponents. This season, Indiana will play North Texas from the American Conference, FCS program Howard and Western Kentucky from Conference USA. Next year, the Hoosiers will face Kennesaw State (CUSA), Indiana State (FCS) and UMass (Mid-American Conference) before beginning Big Ten play. As has become typical for Cignetti, he took the opportunity to tweak the SEC, saying We figured we would just adopt an SEC scheduling philosophy. That preceded the Indiana coach touting the Big Tens strength as a conference, taking another swipe at the SEC by saying When we fall short, we say we fell short. We don't cry a river, whine and complain. All right? And that's why we're the best."Conference pride appears to also be a factor in the decision not to play Notre Dame, based on Cignettis since they dont play in a conference remark. Thats a sentiment shared by other Big Ten coaches including Illinois Bret Bielema. However, several Big Ten programs cant resist the prestige of playing a nationally recogized opponent and the exposure that a matchup with the Fighting Irish brings. This season, Wisconsin, Michigan State and Purdue will play Notre Dame. Indiana and Cignetti obviously dont share the same philosophy. Facing the likes of Ohio State and USC while traveling to Michigan, Nebraska and Washington is tough enough in their view.

Aaron Donald has worked out for the Los Angeles Rams for a second time as the clock ticks on the future Hall of Famer's decision on whether or not to return to football.The Rams listed Donald as a workout participant on Sunday's NFL transaction wire, a day after their preseason opener against the Kansas City Chiefs. No other information about his workout was initially released.Donald previously worked out with the Rams on Aug. 5, confirming reports that he was considering coming out of retirement. Rams head coach Sean McVay has since spoken glowingly of Donalds first workout while attempting to temper expectations on whether or not he actually plays again.McVay doesnt want to put pressure DonaldFollowing Saturdays 20-12 win over the Chiefs, McVay emphasized that hes not putting deadline pressure on Donald to make a decision.What I don't want is to sit here and do is put a timeline on it, then something comes up where I have to push it back, McVay told reporters per the team transcript. What I have said to him is that we have some loose things that I have identified, like dates that we would like to hit. But what I don't want to have is any unnecessary pressure on him if there are some unforeseen circumstances.Play Yahoo's new College Fantasy Football game: Create or join a league now!McVay also acknowledged the obvious. Hes hopeful for a decision from Donald sooner than later.We are not at that point quite yet, McVay continued. I am hopeful that it will be sooner rather than later, but I also want to respect when he does feel that clarity will come, I think there is a chance we will be closer to that than not.But again, I don't want to say too much or put some sort of invisible deadline on something that doesn't exist in my mind for him.When will Aaron Donald make his decision?Thus is McVays dilemma. And to be clear, its an enviable dilemma to have. The greatest defender of his generation is considering returning to football at 35 years old, two seasons removed from retirement. Hes considering doing so for a Rams team thats the preseason favorite to win the Super Bowl with or without him.If he does return, the three-time Defensive Player of the Year will join the NFLs current sack king, Myles Garrett, to form what projects as not only the best pass rush in football but one of the best in NFL history.The Rams, meanwhile, have a season and a roster to plan for. Knowing whether or not Donald will play makes preparing for Week 1 against the 49ers on Sept. 10 that much easier. McVay will surely find room on the roster when and if Donald decides to return, whether its Monday or in the middle of the season. But, as McVay said Saturday night, the sooner Donald figures out his plan, the better for the Rams.

The Los Angeles Rams may soon have one of the best defensive line rotations in modern NFL history.The NFL rumor mill has been buzzing this offseason about a potential return to the league by Aaron Donald. The eight-time first-team All-Pro selection and three-time Defensive Player of the Year retired following the 2023 season, but this offseason, there were murmurs that he wanted to return to the Los Angeles Rams for one more season to join the newly acquired NFL single-season sack leader, Myles Garrett.Now, it appears things might be one step closer to that becoming a reality, as Donald reportedly worked out with the Rams for the second time this offseason this weekend indicating that a return could be in the works. It is worth noting that Donald does frequently work out at the Rams' facilitiesFor the second time this summer, Aaron Donald was listed today as working out for the Rams on the NFLs transaction wire. pic.twitter.com/d11nkFZugX Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 16, 2026The news comes just one day after Rams head coach Sean McVay indicated after the team's preseason opener that he thinks the franchise is "closer" to securing a return from the standout defensive tackle."I'm hopeful that it will be sooner than later, but I also want to respect when he does feel like that clarity will come," McVay said Saturday after theRams' 20-12 preseason victoryover theKansas City Chiefs. "I think there's a chance that we'll be closer to that than not. But again, I don't want to say too much or put some sort of invisible deadline on something that doesn't exist in my mind for him."If he does make it back this season, he and Myles Garrett will form one of the most formidable defensive line duos in recent memory, and it will likely solidify the Rams as favorites in the NFC. Expect a final decision to be made one way or the other in the near future, as the deadline to see the final 53-man roster is rapidly approaching in the coming weeks.This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: Latest Aaron Donald updates give potential good news to Rams fans

Barcelona has completed the transfer of midfielder Rodri from Manchester City on a multi-year contract for a reported $87.8 million fee. City will reportedly receive an initial $68.8 million fee, with achievable add-ons expected to bring the total package to at least $82 million for the midfielder entering the final year of his contract. Fresh off winning the Golden Ball and leading La Roja to a second World Cup trophy this summer, he is departing the Premier League. The move brings an end to the 2024 Balon d'or winner's time in England, where he established himself as a central figure in Manchester City's midfield. At Barcelona, Rodri will reunite with seven of his World Cup-winning Spain teammates. Those names include Joan Garcia, Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, Gavi, Dani Olmo, Pedri, and Lamine Yamal. This transfer marks a return to Spanish football for Rodri, who previously played for Atltico Madrid and Villarreal before moving to the Premier League in 2019. Rodri is expected to arrive in Barcelona soon and could be presented before Wednesday's Joan Gamper Trophy match against Al Ahly at Camp Nou. He joins a busy summer window for Barcelona, arriving alongside Anthony Gordon, Karim Adeyemi, Jesse Bisiwu, and Joo Cancelo.