Rodri Casts Doubt on Man City Future Amid Links to Real Madrid

Manchester City midfielder Rodri might be open to a move to Real Madrid as the Spain international refuse to directly address rumors linking him with a move back home.

Rodri whose contract with City expires in June 2027, is being monitored by Real Madrid as the Spanish side hope to sign a deep-lying playmaker. Links cooled down amid Rodri’s injury woes, but things are back to normal after his return to the pitch.

The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner expertly avoided addressing the transfer speculation when he spoke to Cadena SER after his team fell 3–0 to Los Blancos in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16.

However, he failed to deliver the definitive response City fans perhaps hoped to hear.

Antonio Rudiger battle for the ball with Rodri during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 First Leg match between Real Madrid CF and Manchester City. (Photo by Diego Souto/Getty Images)

“I’m not going to answer that,” Rodri said in regards to a potential move the Bernabéu. “It’s a moment to think about what we have now, with my team, in my season, and then we’ll see.”

Real Madrid have failed to sign the perfect replacement for Toni Kroos and Luka Modrić. Despite this, they boost of quality players in their squad and the addition of Rodri will add more depth.

Manchester City are not a selling club and would not be mandates or bullied to let go of Rodri. However, if they fail to cash in on him this summer or next winter, they could watch him leave the club as a free agent in June 2027.

Madrid have also been linked with Premier League talents Alexis Mac Allister and Enzo Fernández. But, Rodri remain their preferred choice and others a backup plan.