Rodri’s summer dilemma: City contract versus Real or Barcelona chase

Manchester City’s 29‑year‑old midfielder Rodri stands at a summer crossroads: he can honour the final year of his Etihad Stadium contract or answer the calls of La Liga giants Real Madrid and Barcelona, both of whom have entered the race for the World Cup‑tournament‑player who lifted Spain’s trophy.

The 29‑year‑old is in the final year of his deal with City and has not yet signed new terms, while Real have maintained a long‑term interest in signing him, according to two sources who spoke to on Thursday. Getty ImagesImage caption noted that Rodri was named player of the tournament after captaining Spain to World Cup glory in the summer.

Spanish champions Barcelona have also entered the race, but Barca sources have distanced themselves from the talk when approached by for comment.

Rodri missed much of the 2023‑24 campaign after a serious knee injury and a hamstring issue, yet he returned to form at the World Cup, leading Spain to their second title and being named player of the tournament.

He is currently out of action after back surgery and has not yet linked up with his teammates as City conduct a pre‑season tour in the Far East, with a Community Shield clash against Arsenal looming.

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City sources have told they are "counting on" Rodri for next season, but a significant fee would be required for any sale.

A move to Barcelona would reunite him with title‑winning teammates and national‑team colleagues Ferran Torres, Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsi and Pedri, as the Catalan side have won the Spanish league for the past two seasons.

A switch to Real could see a quick reunion with former City teammate Bernardo Silva, who joined Real on a free this summer, and would place him under returning manager Jose Mourinho; Rodri previously said "you can’t turn down the best clubs in the world" about Real, making a Nou Camp reception intriguing.

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Losing Rodri would be a blow for City, forcing Mateo Kovacic, Nico Gonzalez or Tijjani Reijnders—who have featured in pre‑season—to step up, alongside record signing Elliot Anderson who is set to start.

City remain in talks to sign 18‑year‑old midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille, a move that would aim to fill the void left by Rodri’s potential departure.