Midfielder Rodri has become the latest high-profile name to be linked with a possible departure from Manchester City, joining a growing list of players who could leave the Sky Blues at the end of the season.
The Spain international, who has been central to City’s dominance under Pep Guardiola, has openly spoken about his long-term ambition to return to Spain, placing Real Madrid among the clubs he would find difficult to refuse.
Rodri’s comments come amid increasing speculation surrounding the futures of several City players, including Bernardo Silva, Nathan Aké, Jack Grealish and Manuel Akanji.
Rodri opens door to Spain return
Since arriving from Atlético Madrid in 2019, Rodri has developed into one of the most influential midfielders in European football.
His composure, tactical awareness and ability to control games have made him indispensable in Guardiola’s system.
The 29-year-old reached another milestone in 2024 when he was awarded the Ballon d’Or, underlining his status as one of the world’s elite players.
Despite his success in England, Rodri has not hidden his emotional connection to Spanish football.
Speaking to Onda Cero, he acknowledged that a return to La Liga remains a strong possibility in the future.
“I’d like to return, yes, obviously,” Rodri told Spanish radio station Onda Cero when asked about playing in Spain again. “For me, La Liga is where I started. I still follow it, it’s true not as much as before, but I still follow it.
“I’d like to return, yes, obviously,” Rodri told Spanish radio station Onda Cero when asked about playing in Spain again. “For me, La Liga is where I started. I still follow it, it’s true not as much as before, but I still follow it.
His remarks are likely to alert several Spanish clubs, with Real Madrid widely considered the most probable destination should he leave Manchester.
Although Rodri built his early career at Atlético Madrid, one of Real’s fiercest rivals, he suggested that professional considerations often outweigh past allegiances in modern football.
When asked whether his history with Atlético could prevent a switch to the Santiago Bernabéu, Rodri made it clear that such a move would not be out of the question.
He pointed to the number of players who have crossed the Madrid divide over the years, insisting that opportunities at the very highest level are difficult to reject.
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“No, I mean, there have been many players who have gone down that path, right? And especially not directly, but over time. I mean, for me, you can’t turn down the best clubs in the world.
“They have a fanbase that really goes all out for them, and for me, the Bernabeu is always incredible, a stadium that’s very imposing.”
His admiration for Real Madrid’s stature, history and atmosphere will only fuel speculation about a potential move, particularly as the Spanish giants continue to refresh their midfield options.
Any departure would come at a time when Manchester City are undergoing a period of transition. With several senior players reportedly considering their futures, Guardiola may need to reshape parts of his squad ahead of the next campaign.
Bernardo Silva has long been associated with a move away from England, while questions have also been raised about the roles of on loan players like Grealish and Akanji. Aké, too, has attracted attention from clubs across Europe.
Rodri’s situation, however, stands out due to his importance on the pitch. Replacing a player of his quality and consistency would be no straightforward task, even for a club with City’s resources.
