Rodri open to Real Madrid move despite past ties with Atletico Madrid

Manchester City midfielder Rodri is open to a shocking move to Real Madrid, despite his past as an Atlético Madrid player.

Rodri has just over a year left on his contract with the Premier League club, with his deal up in June 2027. The Spanish midfielder’s future has since been in the air, with Real Madrid looking at signing a new man in the middle.

Back to playing regularly for City after a long recovery from a cruciate ligament injury suffered in 2024, Rodri has not shut down hope of him returning to LaLiga.

Speaking during a radio interview on Thursday, Rodri, when asked if his Atlético past made such a switch impossible, said no.

“No, no,” Rodri told Onda Cero. “There have been a lot of players who have taken that path. Above all, when they’ve not done it directly, but over time. For me, you can’t rule out the best clubs in the world.”

Rodri during his playing days at Atletico Madrid. (Photo by TF-Images/TF-Images via Getty Images)

Rodri spent six years in Atletico’s youth system before being released, and joining Villarreal, where he broke into the first team before rejoining his former club in 2018.

A stellar season at the Metropolitano then persuaded Pep Guardiola’s City to pay his release clause a year later.

In the Premier League, Rodri has developed into one of the world’s best midfielders, winning the Ballon d’Or after helping Spain win Euro 2024, a year after City won the Treble.

“I’ve got a year left on my contract [at City] and at some point we’ll have to sit down and talk,” Rodri told Onda Cero. “I’d like to return [to LaLiga], obviously.”

Madrid are eager to sign a midfielder ahead of 2026-27 season, with Rodri topping the list of their most preferred choice.

The Spanish giant opted not to sign a central midfielder last summer — instead bringing in defenders Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen and Álvaro Carreras, and winger Franco Mastantuono.