In a development that has sent shockwaves through the football world, Manchester City’s midfield maestro Rodri is reportedly contemplating a blockbuster transfer to Real Madrid. The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, widely regarded as the linchpin of Pep Guardiola’s squad, is said to be giving serious thought to a move to the Santiago Bernabéu, potentially in the summer of 2026. This news comes at a time when Manchester City are grappling with a challenging season, and the prospect of losing their most influential player has sparked panic at the Etihad Stadium.
Rodri’s importance to Manchester City cannot be overstated. The Spanish midfielder, often described as the “string-puller” in City’s midfield, has been the heartbeat of their success in recent years. His absence due to a devastating ACL injury last season exposed vulnerabilities in City’s setup, as the team struggled to maintain their usual dominance without him. Even with star striker Erling Haaland grabbing headlines for his prolific goalscoring, it was Rodri’s composure, vision, and defensive solidity that earned him global recognition, culminating in his Ballon d’Or triumph. “Rodri is getting better but he had a big injury in the last game against Al-Hilal,” Guardiola recently revealed, noting the midfielder’s ongoing recovery from a groin injury that will sideline him for the first four weeks of the new season.
The allure of Real Madrid, the most successful club in football history, has reportedly caught Rodri’s attention. With only two years remaining on his current contract, which pays him £200,000 per week, the 30-year-old Spaniard is in no rush to sign a new deal with City. Manchester City are preparing to offer him a lucrative contract extension until 2029, potentially making him their second-highest-paid player behind Haaland. “Manchester City are set to offer new contract to Rodri valid until June 2029,” a source close to the club confirmed. However, the midfielder’s hesitation suggests he is seriously weighing a return to his homeland to join Los Blancos.
Real Madrid’s interest in Rodri is not new. The European giants have been linked with the midfielder throughout the summer, though a move this year was ruled out. Instead, their strategy appears to be a patient one, targeting 2026 when Rodri’s contract will have just one year left, potentially allowing them to secure one of the world’s best players for a reduced fee. “Rodri’s future is open. More open than ever,” a report suggested, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding his next move. The prospect of Rodri donning the iconic white jersey is tantalizing for Madrid fans, especially after a disappointing campaign that saw them fail to win La Liga, the Copa del Rey, or the Champions League.
The interest from Real Madrid has been amplified by direct encouragement from their players. Defender Dani Carvajal, a compatriot of Rodri, has been vocal about his desire to see the midfielder join. “I tell Rodri every day to sign for Real Madrid,” Carvajal said in an interview. “I tell him every day to leave Manchester, there’s no sun there, to come to Madrid, because we need him.” Rodri himself has acknowledged the appeal of Madrid, stating, “When Madrid, the biggest and most successful club in history, calls you, it’s always an honour.” Yet, he remains mindful of his current commitments, noting, “He tells me he has a contract, but he would be perfect for us.”
For Manchester City, the potential loss of Rodri would be catastrophic, especially with Kevin De Bruyne already confirmed to depart this summer. Guardiola has made it clear that Rodri is integral to his plans, reportedly telling club bosses that he wants the midfielder to stay for the next season. The club’s determination to keep him is evident, but the lure of Madrid, coupled with Rodri’s injury history and contract situation, could force tough decisions. If Rodri does not sign a new deal by next summer, City may reluctantly sanction a sale to avoid losing him for free in 2027.
Rodri’s potential move is not just a transfer story; it’s a saga that could reshape the landscape of European football. For Real Madrid, under new manager Xabi Alonso, signing Rodri would be a statement of intent as they aim to reclaim their dominance. For City, it’s a test of their ability to retain their core players amid a transitional phase. As the 2025-26 season unfolds, all eyes will be on Rodri, whose decision could define the future for both clubs. With his future “more open than ever,” the football world waits with bated breath to see where this midfield titan will land.
Leave a Reply