Rodri has put Manchester City on alert by confirming that negotiations over a new contract will not resume until after the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The 29-year-old midfielder, who has just one year remaining on his current deal, used a Spain national team press conference to address the growing links with Real Madrid, stressing that his sole focus is the tournament in North America.
The Spain international joined City from Atlético Madrid in 2019 and has since become a linchpin in Pep Guardiola’s system. His existing contract expires in June 2027, and he has not hidden his long-term ambition to return to La Liga. Last year, he told Spanish media that playing in his homeland ‘would be a dream,’ though he remained committed to City for the present.
The Real Madrid connection has come via Enrique Riquelme, a businessman challenging Florentino Pérez for the club’s presidency in this weekend’s election. Riquelme has publicly targeted Rodri as a cornerstone of his project, promising to bring the Ballon d’Or winner back to Spain. While Pérez is widely expected to secure another term, the mere speculation has unsettled City’s planning.
Losing Rodri would be a devastating blow for Manchester City. Since his arrival, the club has won four Premier League titles, the Champions League, and multiple domestic cups. His ability to shield the defense, dictate tempo, and pop up with crucial goals has made him irreplaceable. City have no natural successor in their squad, and finding a player of his caliber on the market would cost a fortune.
Complicating matters is Rodri’s fitness. He ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in September 2024, missing the majority of the 2024-25 season. His recovery has been steady, but he is yet to return to peak sharpness. The World Cup offers a global stage to prove his fitness and form, which will directly impact his leverage in any contract talks.
The 2026 World Cup runs from June 11 to July 19, leaving only a narrow window before the 2026-27 season begins. Rodri’s contract status means he can sign a pre-contract agreement with overseas clubs from January 2027. City will be desperate to avoid that scenario, as it would allow him to leave for free in the following summer. The club may therefore push for a resolution immediately after the tournament.
If Rodri indicates he will not extend, City could consider selling this summer to recoup a transfer fee in the region of £80-100 million. However, Guardiola views Rodri as non-negotiable, and the club’s hierarchy has historically backed the manager in such situations. Yet with financial rules tightening and a squad rebuild on the horizon, no option can be ruled out.
Rodri addressed the rumors with characteristic composure. ‘With a World Cup ahead, my responsibility is to stay focused. Anything related to my future will wait until after the World Cup,’ he said. He added, ‘I’m very calm, I know exactly where I stand, and I’ll tell you that perhaps if there hadn’t been a World Cup, things might be different now.’
Rodri’s rise has been meteoric. From a promising talent at Villarreal and Atlético, he has become the first defensive midfielder in decades to win the Ballon d’Or, claiming the 2024 award after a stellar season. His injury in September halted his momentum, but his reputation remains intact. Every top club in Europe would welcome him, but Real Madrid’s historical allure is particularly potent for Spanish players.
The Real Madrid presidential election adds a layer of political intrigue. Enrique Riquelme, though considered an underdog, has used Rodri’s name to galvanize support among members who crave a return to the ‘Galáctico’ era. Even if Pérez wins, the public courtship may have planted a seed. Pérez himself has a history of swooping for elite talents when they become available, though his recent focus has been on younger, more cost-effective signings.
Rodri’s potential departure would not only weaken City but also shift the balance of power in the Premier League. The division has seen a midfield exodus in recent years, with the likes of Fabinho, N’Golo Kanté, and Casemiro leaving or declining. Rodri stands alone as the benchmark, and his exit would create a vacuum that no current City player could fill. Rivals would scent blood.
For now, the situation is in a holding pattern. Rodri’s focus is on reclaiming fitness and leading Spain to World Cup glory. City fans will hope that a successful tournament and a renewed sense of purpose at the club can convince him to extend. But until he puts pen to paper, the shadow of the Bernabéu will loom large over the Etihad. Based on reporting from BBC Sport.
