Manchester City’s midfield maestro, Rodri, has sparked fresh speculation surrounding his future after admitting he would be open to a move to La Liga giants Real Madrid. The Spanish international, who has been a pivotal figure in City’s midfield since joining from Atlético Madrid in 2019, has been linked with a transfer to the Santiago Bernabéu in recent months, and his recent comments have only fueled the rumors.
The 28-year-old’s potential move to Real Madrid has been a topic of conversation among football pundits, with several reports suggesting that the club’s president, Florentino Pérez, has instructed Real Madrid’s board to make Rodri a priority signing for the summer of 2025.
According to sources close to the situation, the Spanish powerhouse is expected to submit a formal offer for the midfielder, and Manchester City is well aware of their growing interest.
Despite Rodri’s deep ties with Atlético Madrid, Madrid’s fierce rivals, the Spain international has been vocal about his admiration for the club. In a recent interview with El Larguero, Rodri admitted that he would be open to a move to Real Madrid, highlighting the club’s rich history and success as major factors in his decision-making process.
“When Real Madrid calls you, the best club in history and the most successful… it makes you proud, and you always have to listen,” Rodri confessed. “It’s obvious. You always have to pay attention.”
This admission marks a significant development in the ongoing speculation, as it reveals that Rodri, although currently thriving at Manchester City, is not closed off to the idea of returning to Spain and joining one of the most prestigious football clubs in the world.
Rodri left Spain in 2019 to join Pep Guardiola’s side, and since then, he has become one of the most influential players in City’s midfield. However, as his contract continues to wind down, Real Madrid’s interest in the player has become more apparent, and the possibility of a reunion with his homeland seems increasingly likely.
With two years left on his current contract with Manchester City when the summer of 2025 arrives, the question surrounding Rodri’s future will come into sharper focus. While Manchester City is reportedly eager to secure a contract extension for the Spanish star in the coming months, his comments about Real Madrid’s allure suggest that he could be considering a fresh challenge.
Despite his previous associations with Atlético Madrid, a club that shares a fierce rivalry with Los Blancos, Real Madrid has long been known for its ability to attract top-tier talent from around the world, regardless of past affiliations. It’s also clear that Rodri’s experience in both club and international football, coupled with his recent achievements, would make him an appealing target for a club like Real Madrid.
READ ALSO: BlackRock Invests $627.7 Million to Strengthen Bitcoin ETF
Rodri’s 2024 Ballon d’Or win, following a remarkable year for both club and country, has only enhanced his reputation as one of the best midfielders in the world. As he continues to recover from a serious ACL injury, he remains focused on his recovery, aiming to return to action ahead of next summer’s Club World Cup.
In addition to the speculation surrounding his future with Real Madrid, Rodri also expressed his joy at seeing Pep Guardiola extend his contract with Manchester City. Guardiola has been a key figure in Rodri’s career, and the midfielder revealed just how much the manager’s presence has meant to him personally and professionally.
“It’s a joy that he has decided to continue,” Rodri said of Guardiola’s contract extension. “He has been the most influential coach of my career.”
Rodri’s admiration for Guardiola is well-founded, as the Spanish coach has helped transform Manchester City into one of the most dominant teams in Europe, with Rodri playing a central role in that success. Rodri’s initial signing with City was shrouded in uncertainty, with many predicting Guardiola would only stay for a few more years.
READ ALSO: Global Banks Consider Freezing Fresh Credit to India’s Adani Group Following U.S. Indictment
However, Guardiola’s decision to remain with the club has been a significant factor in Rodri’s happiness at the Etihad, reinforcing the idea that City’s future success may hinge on the bond between the two.
While Rodri’s comments about Real Madrid may spark concerns among Manchester City fans, the reality is that his future is still uncertain. The 28-year-old has established himself as a key player at City, and with the club eager to extend his stay, it remains to be seen whether Rodri will ultimately choose to stay in Manchester or pursue a return to Spain.
As the summer of 2025 approaches, Rodri’s future could become one of the most closely watched transfer sagas in world football. His potential move to Real Madrid would not only have significant implications for City’s plans but could also shape the future of La Liga’s midfield landscape.
For now, though, the football world will continue to watch as Rodri’s career unfolds, with all eyes on what the future may hold for one of Spain’s brightest talents.