Rodri Drops Bombshell: Wants to Leave Manchester City and Return to Spain
In a stunning turn of events, Manchester City’s Ballon d’Or-winning midfielder Rodri has sent shockwaves through the football world by expressing his desire to leave the club and return to his homeland, Spain. The 29-year-old Spaniard, a cornerstone of Pep Guardiola’s squad since joining in 2019, has reportedly caught the attention of Real Madrid, who are ready to capitalize on his contract uncertainty with a potential €100 million move. This revelation, first reported by Spanish outlet AS and amplified by posts on X, has sparked intense speculation about the future of one of the Premier League’s most pivotal players.
Rodri’s current contract with Manchester City runs until 2027, but his hesitation to sign an extension has fueled rumors of a potential departure. Despite City’s efforts to make him one of their highest earners, matching the salary of star striker Erling Haaland, the allure of returning to Madrid—his hometown—appears to be a significant factor. Real Madrid, keen to bolster their midfield following Toni Kroos’ retirement, see Rodri as the ideal candidate to anchor their squad. The Spanish giants are reportedly prepared to wait until 2026, when Rodri’s contract will have only one year remaining, to secure his signature at a potentially reduced cost.
The bombshell statement came to light during an interview with Cope in Spain, where Rodri hinted at a significant shift in Manchester City’s dynamics post-Guardiola. “You want to be surrounded by the best, and there will be a before and after Pep,” Rodri said. “When I signed, they told me that Guardiola was leaving, but he is very ambitious. When he is gone, things will change, but City will continue to be City.” This comment, made in November 2024, suggested Rodri’s awareness of Guardiola’s potential exit, which was initially rumored for 2025 before the manager signed a two-year extension until 2027.
Pep Guardiola’s response to Rodri’s remarks has left fans and pundits stunned. Speaking after Manchester City’s shock 4-3 defeat to Al-Hilal in the FIFA Club World Cup last-16 tie on June 30, 2025, Guardiola addressed Rodri’s situation indirectly, focusing on his recent injury setback. “We have to see Rodri; he complained about his situation, but we need time to come back,” Guardiola said, hinting at both the midfielder’s physical condition and his broader discontent. Rodri, who had only recently returned from a nine-month absence due to a cruciate ligament injury, was substituted in extra time during the Al-Hilal match after playing just 47 minutes. Guardiola’s cryptic comment has fueled speculation that Rodri’s desire to leave may be linked to his frustration with limited playing time and the club’s trophyless 2024-25 campaign.
Guardiola, however, remains optimistic about Rodri’s importance to the team. Following Rodri’s first start since September 2024 in a 5-2 Club World Cup victory over Juventus, Guardiola praised his impact: “Everyone knows how important Rodri is. He is one of the best players in the world. When they’re not in a team, they’re missed.” Despite this, sources suggest that Rodri’s leadership role in the dressing room and his designation as a future captain may not be enough to keep him at the Etihad if Real Madrid’s project proves too tempting.
Manchester City’s recent squad overhaul, including signings like Rayan Ait-Nouri, Tijjani Reijnders, and Rayan Cherki, indicates a shift toward a younger core, potentially preparing for life after key veterans like Rodri. With Guardiola planning to trim the squad to avoid “sad” players and maintain harmony, Rodri’s potential exit could be part of a broader rebuild. The coming months will be critical as City navigate their Premier League campaign, starting with a match against Wolves on August 16, 2025, while Rodri’s future hangs in the balance.
