Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has insisted midfielder Rodri must make a clear decision about his future, warning that no player should remain at the club if they are not fully committed.
Speaking ahead of City’s latest fixture, Guardiola addressed growing speculation linking Rodri with a move to Real Madrid, following the player’s recent remarks suggesting he would be open to joining the Spanish giants.
While the City boss stopped short of criticising his midfielder, his message was firm — uncertainty is not something the club can accommodate.
“They have to leave,” Guardiola said. “If they are not happy, they have to leave. The most important thing is the club.”
Guardiola’s comments reflect a broader philosophy he has maintained throughout his managerial career: every player must be fully aligned with the team’s ambitions.
At a club like Manchester City, where standards are relentlessly high, even the slightest doubt over a player’s future can become disruptive.
Rodri has been one of City’s most influential figures in recent years, anchoring midfield and playing a pivotal role in their domestic and European successes.
His composure, tactical intelligence and ability to dictate play have made him indispensable to Guardiola’s system.
However, his recent admission that he would consider a move to Madrid has inevitably raised questions about his long-term commitment to the club.
Guardiola appeared to understand the reality of modern football, where interest from clubs like Real Madrid is difficult for any player to ignore.
Yet, he also made it clear that such openness must be matched with honesty and decisiveness.
Meanwhile, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano speaking through his YouTube channel has provided further insight into the situation, suggesting that Rodri’s future remains unresolved and finely balanced.
According to Romano, City have already taken steps to secure the midfielder’s long-term future by offering him a new contract, complete with improved financial terms.
The proposal underlines how highly the club values him and their desire to keep him at the centre of their project.
“The key point here is that Rodri in this moment, then we never know in football, but in this moment has two ways to decide whether he wants to stay at Manchester City and also eventually sign a new contract if he wants, or plan for a move away from Man City,” Romano said.
“So his statements about Real Madrid were quite strong. Obviously the appreciation from Real Madrid is there.
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“So for sure Real Madrid internally are discussing about Rodri and is an option for Real Madrid. But at the moment there is still no bid, no direct club to club talks for Rodri.
“But what’s the point? Rodri from what I understand already has a new contract proposal into his hands from Manchester City.
“So Man City are offering a new contract to Rodri and they are prepared to give him an important salary.”
Romano added that Rodri would now have to decide whether to stay for one more year, stay and sign a new deal, or leave for the Bernabeu.
The timing of this situation adds another layer of complexity. City are already navigating a period of transition following the departure of Kevin De Bruyne last year, while uncertainty also surrounds the futures of Bernardo Silva and John Stones, both of whom are approaching the end of their contracts.
Losing Rodri, in addition to these potential changes, would represent a significant challenge for Guardiola as he looks to maintain the club’s competitive edge.
