- Here we go, Cityzens. Buckle up because there’s some drama brewing at the Etihad. Pep Guardiola is reportedly fearing the worst as his big star, Rodri, faces potential interest from none other than Real Madrid.
Things haven’t exactly been rosy for City recently, with four straight losses across all competitions. But don’t worry—Pep extended his contract and is here to stay through 2026 (with a sneaky one-year extension option). The mood has lifted, but the real worry? The future of Rodri.
Rodri, the man who’s been undoubtedly the best defensive midfielder in the world this season, could be eyeing a move to Spain. You heard that right… Real Madrid, the “most successful club in history,” has reportedly been knocking. And when the club calls, Rodri says, “It’s an honour.”
But hold up, don’t start stressing just yet. Rodri’s not packing his bags for Madrid this week. He’s got two years left on his City contract, and he’s still loving life at the Etihad. But with that La Liga pull, is his heart inching back toward Spain?
And here’s where it gets juicy for Guardiola. In case Rodri does decide to trade the blue for the white, Pep’s already got a replacement in mind. Enter Martin Zubimendi… the guy Guardiola apparently rates highly. Zubimendi’s also on the radar for Liverpool and Arsenal, but if Rodri exits, Zubimendi could be the man to step in and keep that midfield control just like Rodri does.
So what happens next? Guardiola is reportedly intensifying talks with Rodri’s camp, trying to make sure his star defensive midfielder sticks around. But as always with the transfer market, anything can happen.
- For further reading on the complete statements, here’s how our team ran through the interview where Rodri admitted that it would, in fact, he an honor to for him to be called up by Real Madrid.
The Spain international has been integral to Pep Guardiola’s setup, but the midfielder has hinted at a potential move to Real Madrid, sparking concerns at the Etihad.
Speaking earlier this week, Rodri opened the door to a move to the La Liga giants, saying: “When Madrid, the best club in history, the most successful, call you, it is an honour and you always have to pay attention,” as reported by Football Espana. He added, “I have two years left on my contract, the time is approaching to start talking again. The Guardiola deal is an important incentive. I feel very valued at the club.”
The 28-year-old also expressed his affection for England, commenting: “It could very well be a possibility to finish my career in England. It has given me everything and I love the football there. But Spain is my country. I always pay attention to the league, the level of the teams is getting better and better.”
Following this interview, Spanish reports have indicated that Guardiola is now “concerned and fearing the worst” regarding Rodri’s future. According to Marca, Guardiola is reportedly “looking for a replacement for his big star,” with Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad emerging as the top candidate.
Zubimendi, who has already attracted interest from Liverpool and Arsenal, is believed to be one of Guardiola’s favorites. The Mirror reports that should Rodri leave, Zubimendi’s arrival would be key to maintaining balance in City’s midfield, a role Rodri has excelled in since arriving at the club.
According to AS, Guardiola’s priority remains to keep Rodri at the club, and recent discussions between City and Rodri’s representatives are reportedly aimed at dispelling any concerns about his departure.
The report also claims that Guardiola remains focused on the team’s success and acknowledges that the key to maintaining their dominant midfield lies in having a player who can control the tempo of the game—something Rodri has done to perfection.
As the summer transfer window approaches, the future of Rodri remains one of the most talked-about stories in football. Cityzens will be hoping that their key midfielder stays at the Etihad, but if Real Madrid makes a serious move, Manchester City will need to act swiftly.
Cityzens, are you worried about Rodri leaving? Or do you think Guardiola will pull off a masterstroke and keep him locked in? Stay tuned, because this one’s going to be a wild ride until summer.
