Man City faces another setback as a player chooses to leave along with Pep Guardiola
After losing the Premier League title due to draws against Everton and Bournemouth, Manchester City is now preparing for a big rebuild in 2026. This summer’s transfer window is already turning out to be very important, especially with long-time players Bernardo Silva and John Stones announcing they will be leaving.
Things got even more uncertain when Pep Guardiola, who has been City’s manager for ten years, hinted he might leave too—though after the Bournemouth game, he suggested he might stay for one more year. Now, another club legend seems to be heading out as well. Spanish news outlet Marca says Real Madrid is trying hard to sign Rodri, who won the 2024 Ballon d’Or.
Real Madrid is in a tough spot too, and with the World Cup coming up, the top clubs are eager to finish deals quickly. Madrid, in particular, is trying to fix a troubled team, with Jose Mourinho stepping in to bring order. Mourinho has already started making moves in the transfer market and is eager to go all-in on Rodri.
Rodri, long linked with Madrid, has even talked about the possible move with Dani Carvajal during Spain’s international games. The 29-year-old midfielder has said he doesn’t plan to stay at City forever and that Real Madrid is his “dream club.” Marca reports that Rodri stayed loyal to City mostly because of his bond with Guardiola, but now that the manager might leave, Rodri is excited about joining Madrid.
The report also mentions that a swap deal involving English star Jude Bellingham was once discussed, but with other midfielders like Tchouameni and Camavinga falling out of favor, Rodri would be a fresh new addition, not a replacement.
This is the kind of signing Real Madrid has wanted since great players like Kroos, Casemiro, and Modric left, and it looks like they’re ready to do whatever it takes to get Rodri. He’s currently under contract with City until 2027.