Manchester City’s Rodri considers potential move to Barcelona or Real Madrid
Manchester City midfielder Rodri is reportedly facing a significant decision regarding his future, with La Liga giants Real Madrid and Barcelona both showing interest in acquiring his services. The 30-year-old is in the final year of his current contract with City and has not yet agreed to new terms.
Sources at Barcelona indicated on Thursday that the club has received the player’s approval to initiate negotiations with Manchester City. While no guarantees were given for a deal, this development is considered key. Real Madrid has maintained a long-standing interest in the player.
Interest from Spanish Clubs
Barcelona is actively exploring a deal for Rodri. Multiple sources close to the negotiations, speaking anonymously, confirmed that Barcelona has held discussions with Rodri’s representatives regarding the terms of a potential transfer. Rodri’s preference is reportedly to join Barcelona over any other club this summer.
The prospect of joining Barcelona is understood to appeal to Rodri due to the club’s playing style and the opportunity to reunite with eight members of Spain‘s World Cup-winning squad, including Ferran Torres, Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsi, and Pedri. This potential move would also allow him to play for the Spanish title winners of the past two seasons.
Real Madrid has also been working on a deal for Rodri, with reports from July 24 suggesting an agreement could be reached for the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner. Personal terms are not expected to be an issue with Madrid, but negotiations with Manchester City over a transfer fee are still pending. Madrid remains interested in the Spain international, and is aware of Barcelona’s pursuit.
Rodri previously stated during April’s international break his desire to return to his home country and play in La Liga again, though he also acknowledged the appeal of representing Madrid. He played for Atletico Madrid before joining Manchester City in 2019.
Contract Situation and Injury Concerns
Rodri’s current contract with Manchester City is set to expire in the next 12 months, and he has reportedly shown little inclination to extend his terms. City sources have previously indicated they are “counting on” the player for the upcoming season, and a substantial fee would be required for the club to consider a sale.
The midfielder missed a significant portion of the 2024-25 campaign due to a serious knee injury, and a hamstring issue disrupted parts of the previous season. However, he returned to form at the World Cup, where he led Spain to their second title and was named player of the tournament. Rodri is currently recovering from back surgery and has not yet joined his teammates on their pre-season tour in the Far East.
Barcelona’s interest in Rodri comes as midfielder Frenkie de Jong is expected to be out for an extended period after tearing the medial collateral ligament in his right knee. The club would need to sell players to create financial flexibility for a potential deal. Barcelona has already signed wingers Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi this summer, and is also targeting a new striker following Robert Lewandowski’s departure, with Julian Alvarez of Atletico Madrid being pursued.
Potential Impact and Replacements
Rodri has been a crucial player for Manchester City since his arrival in 2019, contributing to four Premier League titles, two FA Cups, three League Cups, and the Champions League in 2023, where he scored the winning goal in the final. He has made 298 appearances for City, scoring 28 goals and providing 32 assists.
Losing Rodri would be a significant blow for City, particularly after the departure of Bernardo Silva, who joined Real Madrid on a free transfer this summer. Should Rodri leave, players like Mateo Kovacic, Nico Gonzalez, or Tijjani Reijnders would need to step up. Elliot Anderson, a club record signing, is expected to be a starter. City is also in talks to sign 18-year-old midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille.
The tactical fit at Barcelona appears to be a factor in Rodri’s decision. Analysis suggests that Barcelona’s style under Hansi Flick, which emphasizes ball circulation, dominating territory, and intricate passing sequences, aligns well with Rodri’s skillset. This approach is similar to Pep Guardiola‘s Manchester City. In contrast, Real Madrid’s recent focus on quick counter-attacking could require Rodri to cover larger distances defensively.
Rodri was awarded the Golden Ball after captaining Spain in all eight games of their 2026 World Cup win 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
Priya Menon 