Rodri, fresh from captaining Spain to World Cup glory and winning the Golden Ball, faces an extended period on the sidelines with a back injury that may require surgery. The 30-year-old Manchester City midfielder has been ruled out for the start of the season, dealing a blow to new manager Enzo Maresca. The back problem adds to two injury-hit seasons, including a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in September 2024 that sidelined him for most of that campaign. Rodri’s future at City is uncertain with his contract expiring next June; he is thought to favour a move to Real Madrid, though no concrete offer has been made. After the World Cup victory, Rodri said: “For me, it’s been a very tough time. I just want the new generations to see my example as an opportunity. When you go down, you can rise again.”
Meanwhile, Leeds are in advanced discussions to sign City goalkeeper James Trafford for a fee in the region of £50m. The 23-year-old England international rejoined City from Burnley last summer for £27m plus add-ons, expecting to be first choice, but saw that role taken by Gianluigi Donnarumma after the Italian’s arrival from Paris Saint-Germain. Trafford started City’s Carabao Cup final victory over Arsenal in March and the FA Cup final win over Chelsea in May. He played 17 times for City last season, winning both trophies, and was part of England’s World Cup squad this summer. Leeds are looking for a new goalkeeper after Karl Darlow and Illan Meslier left Elland Road.
“Rodri injury blow; Leeds near £50m Trafford; Rashford returns without number 10 shirt”
Elsewhere, Marcus Rashford faces an awkward return to Manchester United after loan spells at Aston Villa and Barcelona. The 28-year-old, who contributed 14 goals and 14 assists for Barcelona’s La Liga title win, finds himself without a squad number after the iconic number 10 was handed to Matheus Cunha following his move from Wolves. Rashford had worn the number 10 since 2018, when then-manager Jose Mourinho said: “He wanted it. It’s something fantastic for the kid, let’s give the shirt to him.” During his loan at Villa, Rashford wore number nine, and at Barcelona he wore 14—both numbers are available at United. Other free numbers in the top 25 include 20, 21 and 24. Rashford is due to rejoin training following his summer break, having made six appearances for England’s bronze-medal World Cup squad.