Manchester City midfielder Rodri is facing one of the biggest decisions of his career as speculation over his future continues to intensify ahead of the new season.
The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner endured a frustrating 2024/25 campaign after suffering a serious knee injury that sidelined him for much of the season, while a hamstring problem also disrupted his return to action.
However, Rodri reminded the football world of his quality during the summer by inspiring Spain to their second FIFA World Cup title. The midfield maestro produced a series of commanding performances and was deservedly named the tournament’s Best Player.
Earlier this season, Rodri indicated that he would make a decision on his future after the World Cup. However, the Spain international is currently recovering after undergoing back surgery and has yet to rejoin Manchester City’s pre-season tour in the Far East.
With his contract situation unresolved, the 30-year-old has several options to consider.
Rodri could commit his long-term future by signing the new contract offered by Manchester City, remain at the Etihad until his current deal expires before leaving as a free agent next summer, or pursue a return to La Liga, where both Barcelona and Real Madrid have been linked with his signature.
Manchester City are understood to be confident of keeping one of their most influential players, with club sources previously insisting they are “counting on” Rodri for the upcoming campaign. Any club hoping to lure him away would likely need to submit a significant transfer offer before City would even consider negotiations.
A move to Barcelona would reunite Rodri with several of his Spain teammates, including Ferran Torres, Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsí and Pedri, while also giving him the chance to join the reigning La Liga champions.
Real Madrid, however, also remain a potential destination, particularly after the arrival of former City teammate Bernardo Silva, who joined Los Blancos on a free transfer this summer under returning manager José Mourinho.
Interestingly, a switch to Barcelona may not guarantee Rodri a warm reception from every supporter. The midfielder previously played for Atlético Madrid and once remarked that “you can’t turn down the best clubs in the world” when discussing Real Madrid, comments that could divide opinion among Barça fans if he ultimately chooses the Catalan club.
Who Could Replace Rodri?
Should Rodri leave, Manchester City would face the daunting task of replacing one of the finest midfielders in world football.
Since arriving from Atlético Madrid in 2019, he has won four Premier League titles, the UEFA Champions League and two FA Cups, becoming the heartbeat of City’s midfield.
Following Bernardo Silva’s departure earlier this summer, losing Rodri would create another significant void in Pep Guardiola’s squad.
City already have Mateo Kovacic, Nico Gonzalez and Tijjani Reijnders capable of playing in central midfield, while club-record signing Elliot Anderson is expected to play a prominent role this season.
The Premier League champions are also continuing talks to sign highly rated Lille teenager Ayyoub Bouaddi, but expecting the 18-year-old Moroccan midfielder to immediately replace a player of Rodri’s stature would be an enormous challenge.
For now, Manchester City remain hopeful that Rodri’s future lies at the Etihad Stadium, but with interest from Spain growing, the midfielder’s next move could become one of the biggest transfer stories of the summer.
