Real Madrid have long admired the 29-year-old and consider him an ideal successor to Toni Kroos
Rodri is interested in a move to Real Madrid and a move away is likelier than ever after news surfaced that Pep Guardiola will be leaving Manchester City at the end of the season.
With the great man’s gravitational pull gone from the club, it is only natural for players on the brink to drift further towards an exit, and Rodri has long expressed a desire to return to Madrid.
Madrid have long admired the 29-year-old and reportedly consider him an ideal successor to the retired Toni Kroos. The club want more control in midfield, something they have largely lacked since the German left the club.
“Pep was always an inspiration to me.” ✨
Full interview 🔗 https://t.co/SI4XY0L54L pic.twitter.com/FeTZElVZpX
— Manchester City (@ManCity) May 20, 2026
The move would not be straightforward. City can certainly be expected to resist any attempt to sign one of their most influential players, particularly given how the team have struggled whenever he has been out of the squad.
Rodri has been one of Guardiola’s best players since his arrival in 2019, arguably becoming the cornerstone to everything the Spanish coach has built. His long-term injury in 2024 exposed the fallibility of the squad and Guardiola’s style of play without him in the middle controlling affairs.
Rodri remains under contract at City until 2027. He has said he is currently focused on finishing the campaign with City before joining Spain for the World Cup. A decision will likely be made only after the tournament.
