Rodri faces decision amid Barcelona and Real Madrid interest
Manchester City midfielder Rodri could be facing a significant decision regarding his future, with interest from La Liga clubs Real Madrid and Barcelona. Rodri is in the final year of his contract with City and has not yet agreed to new terms.
Real Madrid has reportedly maintained a long-term interest in the player. More recently, Barcelona has also entered the pursuit for the 30-year-old’s signature, according to some sources. However, Barcelona sources have reportedly distanced themselves from these claims.
Rodri’s potential move to Barcelona is understood to be appealing due to the club’s footballing style and the prospect of reuniting with several Spanish national team members. Eight players from Spain‘s World Cup-winning squad, including Ferran Torres, Lamine Yamal, and Pedri, are currently at Barcelona. A move to Barcelona would also allow Rodri to join the title winners for the past two seasons.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid is also working on a deal for Rodri. Personal terms are not expected to be an issue with Madrid, but negotiations with Manchester City over a transfer fee are still pending. Rodri could also have a quick reunion with former City teammate Bernardo Silva, who joined Real Madrid this summer.
Contract Situation and Injury
Rodri’s contract with Manchester City is set to expire next summer, making him a potential free agent. City sources have indicated they are “counting on” the player for the upcoming season, and any sale would require a substantial fee.
The midfielder missed a significant portion of the 2024-25 campaign due to a serious knee injury, and a hamstring issue affected parts of the previous season. Despite these setbacks, Rodri was named player of the tournament at the World Cup this summer, where he captained Spain to their second title.
Rodri previously stated that his future would be resolved after the tournament. He is currently recovering from back surgery and has not yet joined his City teammates on their pre-season tour in the Far East. Manchester City is scheduled to face Arsenal in the Community Shield next Sunday.
Potential Replacements at Manchester City
Should Rodri depart, Manchester City would face a challenge in filling his role. He has been a pivotal player since joining the club in 2019, contributing to four Premier League titles, the Champions League, and two FA Cups. He scored the winning goal in the 2023 Champions League final.
With Bernardo Silva having already left this summer, losing Rodri would be a significant blow for City. Players such as Mateo Kovacic, Nico Gonzalez, or Tijjani Reijnders, all of whom have featured in pre-season, would need to step up. Elliot Anderson, a club record signing, is expected to be a starter.
City is also reportedly in talks to sign 18-year-old midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille, though filling Rodri’s shoes would be a substantial task for the Moroccan teenager.
Barcelona’s Financial Considerations
Barcelona’s pursuit of Rodri comes as fellow midfielder Frenkie de Jong is expected to be out for an extended period due to a torn medial collateral ligament in his right knee. This injury could keep De Jong out for up to four months, potentially requiring surgery.
To facilitate a deal for Rodri, Barcelona would likely need to sell players to create financial flexibility. The club’s financial position is expected to improve with their return to Camp Nou and the departure of players like Robert Lewandowski, which has freed up significant wages. Barcelona has also brought in wingers Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi this summer and is pursuing Julian Alvarez.
The club is planning for significant investments this summer, despite needing to temporarily relocate from their stadium next summer for redevelopment works, which will impact matchday revenues and potentially their budget for the 2027-2028 season.
Rodri played a key role in Spain’s 2026 World Cup victory, earning the Golden Ball award after captaining his side in all eight games in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. He was also named player of the tournament when Spain won the European Championship in 2024.
Source: bbc.com
