Rio Ferdinand has claimed Manchester City would have edged out Arsenal to the Premier League title last season had Rodri been available for the whole campaign. Arsenal secured their first league title since 2004 in May, finishing seven points clear of City in Pep Guardiola's final season at the club.
Rodri's injury impact
Ballon d'Or winner Rodri missed 17 Premier League games last term through injury, and Ferdinand believes his presence would have altered the title race. The midfielder is now poised to end his long and successful spell at the Etihad Stadium, with Barcelona closing in on a deal for the World Cup winner.
Ferdinand says Rodri's imminent departure will present 'huge challenges' to a City side already coping with the exit of legendary manager Guardiola. Enzo Maresca, the former Chelsea boss, has been tasked with replacing Guardiola, who won six Premier League titles, the Champions League, and eight domestic cups at City.
Ferdinand's verdict
Speaking on his podcast, the Manchester United legend said: 'Can we just talk about Manchester City please? Not only have they lost Pep Guardiola, it now looks like they're losing Rodri. That's two of the most important people at the football club in the last seven or eight years.'
'If Rodri started and played every game last season and didn't have that injury, Man City win the Premier League. No disrespect to Arsenal but if Rodri played ten more games, Man City would have won the league,' Ferdinand added.
He continued: 'That's no coincidence. This guy went into the Spain team and was their most important player, wins the best player of the tournament and helps them win the World Cup. He's won the Ballon d'Or too, he's won everything.'
Barcelona warning
'If Barcelona get him they are a certified problem this year because Rodri is the most important footballer for any team on the planet right now and has been for the last few years. He's a top player and a top pro,' Ferdinand said.
'I think Man City have a huge challenge this year in competing in the way they have in the last eight or nine years. They've lost two huge components of the football club, not only on the pitch but off it as well. They were both huge contributors so let's watch this space.'
Arsenal hero Anders Limpar has also suggested City could struggle if they sell Rodri. 'If Manchester City sell Rodri they are shooting themselves in the foot because he cannot be replaced,' Limpar told SveaCasino.
'We said the same about David Silva but they did replace him and brought in a couple of good players, like Bernardo Silva, but it's even harder to replace Rodri now. He's a Ballon d'Or winner because of how good he is in his role. Who are you going to replace him with?'
'City have to be very, very careful here or they can become a mediocre team that struggles to finish sixth or seventh even with Erling Haaland because Rodri is the machine. He's the engine in that midfield. It would be the best signing of the summer for Arsenal if Rodri goes to Barcelona or Real Madrid.'
