Rodri’s Future at Manchester City
Rodri’s Future at Manchester City
Real Madrid are reportedly working on a deal to sign Manchester City midfielder Rodri. Although club-to-club talks have not yet taken place, Madrid are confident an agreement can be reached. Rodri, 30, has entered the final year of his contract with City, which is set to expire in 2027.
City, however, remains in discussions with the midfielder regarding his future and hopes he will be part of Enzo Maresca’s squad for the 2026-27 season. Rodri has expressed a desire to return to his home country during his playing career and has spoken about the appeal of representing Real Madrid.
Sources from Madrid had previously indicated that Rodri was not part of their plans this summer. This stance reportedly changed following his return from the World Cup, where his performance and role in Spain’s triumph influenced their decision to pursue him. Rodri started and captained Spain in all eight matches at the World Cup.
The midfielder is scheduled to undergo surgery for a back issue, with his return date currently unconfirmed. Rodri returned to action for City in May 2025 after an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury sidelined him for much of the 2024-25 campaign. He made appearances for City in all competitions during the 2025-26 season, despite two periods out with hamstring and groin issues.
Interest from Other Clubs and City’s Response
Barcelona have also made inquiries about signing Rodri during the current summer transfer window. The interest from Barcelona is partly attributed to his performance at the World Cup and the fact that he has one year remaining on his contract with Manchester City.
According to reports, Frenkie de Jong’s injury has prompted Barcelona to consider acquiring a top-class midfielder, with Rodri seen as an ideal option. There is also reported chemistry between Rodri and his Barcelona teammates within the Spain national setup.
City has strengthened its midfield this summer with the signing of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for £116million. The club was also reportedly pushing to sign Morocco international Ayyoub Bouaddi, 18, from Lille, who also impressed at the World Cup.
Maresca addressed speculation surrounding Rodri during his first City press conference, stating that speculation is normal around big players, especially after winning the World Cup. He added that Rodri needs rest and recovery following his surgery before returning to the club.
Other Transfer Speculations
In other transfer news, Leeds United are reportedly close to agreeing a £40m deal to sign 23-year-old England goalkeeper James Trafford from Manchester City. Manchester United are in advanced talks to send Netherlands forward Joshua Zirkzee, 25, to Juventus on a season-long loan, with an option to buy at £30m.
Paris St-Germain is interested in Parma’s Zion Suzuki, 23, a Japan goalkeeper who has been linked with Aston Villa and Juventus. Crystal Palace has reached an agreement on personal terms with Brest’s Raphael Le Guen, a 19-year-old French centre-back. Additionally, Paris St-Germain’s Ibrahim Mbaye, an 18-year-old Senegal forward, has been offered to both Liverpool and Manchester City.
Real Madrid will hold further talks with Vinicius Jr’s representatives to find an agreement over a new long-term contract, amidst Arsenal’s interest in the 26-year-old Brazil winger. Real Madrid has also made a second offer, reportedly between £94m and £98m, for Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande, 19, but further discussions are needed with RB Leipzig.
Sevilla is willing to sell Ruben Vargas, 22, for 20m euros, with Brighton, Newcastle, and Aston Villa among the Premier League clubs interested in the 27-year-old Switzerland winger. Sunderland has agreed personal terms with Toulouse and France Under-21 left-back Dayann Methalie, 20. Fulham’s Sasa Lukic, 29, is among the midfield targets for Ipswich Town this summer.
Source: bbc.com
