The midfielder has been linked with a move away from the Etihad this summer, but that would require a quick recovery
News out of Manchester City this week was that Rodri has had a minor back surgery, which means he will be out for some time for recovery.
In a statement, the club said: “Manchester City can confirm Rodri has undergone successful minor back surgery.
“The midfielder had been feeling discomfort for some time but has now undergone a procedure to address the issue and will now begin a short period of rehabilitation.”
Rodri has been linked with a move away from the Etihad this summer, with Real Madrid and, more recently Barcelona, lurking. The midfielder is understood to be interested in a move back to his native Spain, and having turned 30 and his contract set to expire next summer, this is as good a time as any for him.
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City want to keep Rodri, due to his high profile and value, but that would require him showing a commitment to stay by signing a new contract this summer. Otherwise, they would be forced to sell him now to avoid losing him as a free agent next year.
But clubs do not usually sign an injured player, which means that unless the Spain international is fit enough to play football again this summer, a move to either Madrid or Barcelona may not happen.
According to reports, however, City expect the midfielder to recover quickly and are preparing for the possibility of an approach from Madrid before the transfer window closes.
They are still hoping to secure a new agreement with the player, which would keep them in control of the situation. But the club are also preparing for the eventuality of him leaving. They have signed Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest this summer for a record fee and are still monitoring Lille’s Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi.
