Rodri
Madrid, Spain – October 21, 2025: Champions League match between Villarreal FC and Manchester City played in Villarreal. Rodrigo Hernandez wins the Ballon d’Or. Tribute to Rodrigo at La Ceramica.
Manchester City midfielder Rodri would find it “very difficult” to join Real Madrid if he ever left the Etihad, according to former Spain international Gaizka Mendieta.
The comments come from an interview relayed by Spanish outlet Sport, and focus on the 29-year-old’s future amid continued speculation in Spain about long-term interest from Madrid.
However, from a City perspective, the key message is clear: Mendieta does not expect Rodri to leave at all.
“If he leaves Manchester City, I imagine there would be an agreement with the club. There is also a strong connection with Barcelona. Txiki Begiristain was there, and of course Pep Guardiola as well. But in the end, Rodri will decide personally. And I think it would be very difficult for him to sign for Madrid,” he said.
Attachment to City makes exit unlikely
While the Barcelona angle grabbed headlines in Spain, Mendieta was far more emphatic about Rodri’s bond with Manchester City.
“Personally, I think it will be difficult for him to leave, especially knowing the attachment Rodri has to the club. It would have to be a limit situation in which he felt practically forced to leave,” he said.
That reflects the reality at the Etihad. Rodri has become the tactical cornerstone of Pep Guardiola’s system. Since arriving from Atlético Madrid in 2019, he has won multiple Premier League titles, the Champions League and established himself as one of the most influential midfielders in Europe.
City have never shown any desire to sell him. Likewise, Rodri has not given public signals that he wants out. His father recently dodged that topic as well.
Guardiola future could change dynamics
Pep Guardiola
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola
Still, Mendieta hinted at one scenario that could alter the landscape: “If there are changes, it may be time for Rodri to reflect on his future.”
In Spain, that is widely read as a reference to Guardiola’s eventual departure. The Manchester City manager’s future is always a topic of debate, even if there is no immediate exit on the horizon.
For now, though, this is speculative discussion rather than a live transfer situation. Real Madrid’s past contact has not developed into negotiations, and the link between the club and the player reportedly “broke down” after his Balon D’Or. In the meanwhile, Barcelona’s supposed emotional pull remains hypothetical.
From Manchester City’s standpoint, the situation is stable. Rodri remains central to the project, deeply attached to the club, and far from any forced exit scenario.