Rodri has confirmed that he will sit down and seriously assess his long-term future at Manchester City once Spain's 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign in North America is over — and sources close to the Ballon d'Or winner say Real Madrid have not given up hope of one day luring him back to his homeland.
The 29-year-old defensive midfielder, who picked up the prestigious Ballon d'Or award in 2024, has been a cornerstone of Pep Guardiola's midfield since joining City from Atletico Madrid in 2019. But time, contract length and an ambitious Real Madrid project are all conspiring to force a decision that could reshape Premier League football.
World Cup First, Future Later
Speaking after Spain's training session ahead of their latest World Cup group-stage fixture, Rodri was characteristically measured when pressed on his club future. "Right now, everything is about the World Cup. I am completely focused on my country, my teammates, and bringing home the trophy," he said. "After that, there will be time to think about everything else."
Those carefully chosen words were enough to set the transfer gossip mill spinning. His existing contract at the Etihad Stadium runs until 2027, giving City a degree of security — but the club's hierarchy are reportedly aware that an extension has still not been signed, and that conversations have stalled in recent months.
Real Madrid Lurking in the Background
According to reports in Spain, Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez remains a long-term admirer of the Castilla native. With Luka Modric now approaching the end of an illustrious career and Toni Kroos having retired from club football, Los Blancos continue to cast an eye toward proven midfield operators — and Rodri fits the profile perfectly.
Rodri grew up as a Real Madrid fan in Castilla-La Mancha and, while he has always professionally maintained that he is happy in Manchester, those roots have never truly faded. A move to Madrid would represent a romantic homecoming — the kind of story that both player and club rarely resist for long.
City's Concern
From Manchester City's perspective, losing Rodri would represent a seismic blow. The Spain international is not merely a holding midfielder — he is the engine that powers Guardiola's entire system, the brain that allows the more creative players around him to flourish. His absence through injury during parts of the 2024/25 season cost City dearly, and the club knows how irreplaceable he truly is.
City are prepared to offer significant financial incentives to convince Rodri to sign an extension. Sources suggest the club's top brass will hold formal talks with his representatives as soon as he returns from the World Cup. The offer is expected to make him one of the highest-paid midfielders in Premier League history.
Spain's World Cup Heartbeat
For now, Rodri remains laser-focused on the task in hand. Spain arrived at the 2026 World Cup as one of the genuine favourites following their Euro 2024 triumph, and Rodri — wearing the armband in certain matches — has been the authoritative presence at the base of their midfield once again. His reading of the game, his positional discipline, and his ability to carry the ball from deep have made him Spain's most important player throughout the tournament.
If Spain do go deep into this World Cup, Rodri's stock will only rise — making it even more likely that Madrid will push hard once the final whistle blows. And for Manchester City, the clock on resolving his future is ticking louder with every passing game.
Whether he stays at the Etihad or answers the call of the Bernabéu, one thing is certain: Rodri's decision will be one of the defining transfer stories of the summer of 2026.
Source: Sky Sports / Goal.com | SoloScore.com Football News
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