Another star blow for Manchester City: Now Rodri is also leaving the club – along with manager Pep Guardiola
Manchester City are on the verge of a gigantic rebuild
After City lost the Premier League title after draws against Everton and Bournemouth, a massive boost awaits for 2026. It was already looking chaotic when faithful servants such as Bernardo Silva and John Stones announced that they would move on this year.
Read on F7: What Jose Mourinho said about Mikel Arteta early in his Arsenal career resurfaces
It was quickly followed by the news that Pep Guardiola is also leaving the club after ten years as manager.
Real Madrid can finally see land!
When Toni Kroos left Real Madrid in the summer of 2024, the focus was not on what Real Madrid lost. The signing of Kylian Mbappé overshadowed the German’s exit. Two seasons later without titles, it is clear that Kroos is nowhere near being replaced in the defensive midfield. A big opportunity is now opening up in the Premier League.
An insane amount has happened in the past week. Jose Mourinho is on his way in as Real Madrid manager, while Pep Guardiola is on his way away from Manchester City. It is especially the latter that opens up for a long-awaited signing in Madrid.
Now another club icon follows his long-time teammates and manager out the door. Real Madrid have finally tempted the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, Rodri, to accept.
Rodri has long been linked with Madrid. Earlier, it was reported that he discussed the transfer with Dani Carvajal during his international stay with Spain. The defensive midfielder has also expressed that he has “no intention” of staying at Manchester City for the rest of his career. Real Madrid is the 29-year-old’s “dream club”.
READ: Mourinho tells Real Madrid to sign player he has spent a season scolding
Why he is leaving now
According to Marca, the relationship between Rodri and Pep Guardiola was the biggest reason why the Spaniard remained loyal to the sky blues. But now that Guardiola has resigned, Rodri is “very eager to wear a white” shirt.
The newspaper writes on the front page:
“Now, when Real Madrid most need to rebuild their midfield, Rodri’s name is back in the spotlight with more power than ever. Rodri is starting to like the idea of going back to Spain. Well, he always has.”
Real Madrid throws everything on the table
Previous links between Rodri and Real Madrid also included an ambitious swap deal for English icon Jude Bellingham. But the report indicates that Rodri is now coming as an addition – not a replacement – as both Aurélien Tchouaméni and Eduardo Camavinga are on their way out.
This is the transfer Real Madrid have been dreaming of since Toni Kroos, Casemiro and Luka Modrić all left the club. Now it looks like they’re ready to bet everything on Rodri. He has a contract with Manchester City until 2027, but all indications are that he will disappear already now – in the wake of Pep Guardiola’s departure.
