Real Madrid or Barcelona: Where will Rodri go?
According to a BBC Sport report, Manchester City midfielder Rodri is facing one of the biggest decisions of his career, with both Real Madrid and Barcelona ready to pounce if he decides against extending his stay at the Etihad Stadium.
The 30-year-old has entered the final year of his contract and is yet to agree fresh terms with City. Real have long admired the Spain international, while reigning La Liga champions Barcelona have now joined the race for the 2024 Ballon d'Or winner, the report said.
After an injury-hit spell that included a serious knee injury in the 2024-25 season, a hamstring setback and recent back surgery, Rodri reminded everyone of his class by leading Spain to a second World Cup title this summer and being named Player of the Tournament.
Rodri had said his future would be resolved after the World Cup, with City now waiting for his decision.
A move to Barcelona would see Rodri link up with Spain teammates Ferran Torres, Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsi and Pedri, while Real could reunite him with former City teammate Bernardo Silva under returning head coach Jose Mourinho. The midfielder, who previously played for Atletico Madrid, once said "you can't turn down the best clubs in the world" when discussing Real.
Since joining City from Atletico in 2019, Rodri has won four Premier League titles, the Champions League and two FA Cups, establishing himself as one of the world's finest midfielders.
His departure would leave a sizeable void for City. Having already lost Bernardo Silva this summer, City would again have to reshape their midfield, with Mateo Kovacic, Nico Gonzalez, Tijjani Reijnders and club-record signing Elliot Anderson expected to shoulder greater responsibility. They are also in talks to sign 18-year-old Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, who impressed in the World Cup having taken Morocco to the quarterfinals.
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