Rodri
Manchester City midfielder Rodri
Ángel Villanueva insists Manchester City’s Rodri has up to a 30% risk of suffering a serious knee setback and urges Real Madrid to consider that.
The Spain international’s future beyond this season at Manchester City remains uncertain. This is mainly because the La Liga giants have him in their sights for the summer window.
On March 6th, Sport Witness covered claims that Real Madrid have identified the Manchester City star as their priority target. Last week, the Spain international refused to discuss his future plans after this season.
He’s now with La Roja for the ongoing international break. This allowed Onda Cero to have a chat with the 29-year-old and specifically asked him about the Real Madrid links.
Rodri left the door open to joining the Spanish giants despite his past spell with Atlético Madrid.
“I have one year left on my contract, there will come a point when we’ll have to sit down and talk. You can’t turn down the best clubs in the world,” he said.
Manchester City star’s fitness could be an issue
Villanueva is a physiotherapist based in Madrid and is also a knee expert.
After Rodri’s admission on Thursday, the expert took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to explain why Los Blancos should be cautious.
In September 2024, the Manchester City man suffered a serious knee injury and returned to the pitch in May 2025. He struggled with knee and hamstring problems in the first half of this season. To put it in context, the Spaniard was out for 113 days.
However, he has been fit throughout this year and has been a regular for Pep Guardiola. Despite this, Villanueva warns of potential setbacks for Rodri in the future.
“Is his signing ready? Let’s get down to business. The player returned in May 2025 (8 months later). Too soon, in my opinion. This led to muscle relapses and discomfort in the operated knee for a while. In September 2025 (1 year later), he clearly aggravated the same knee again,” he said.
“Return to previous level: 60-80% chance. Risk of re-rupture (same ACL or the other): 18-30% in the first 2 years. +60% risk of muscle injuries (hamstrings). Osteoarthritis in the medium to long term: increased risk, especially if the meniscus is affected.
“Factors that complicate his signing [for Real Madrid] 30 years old in 2026 (slower neuromuscular recovery). Position: defensive midfielder (turns, braking, and changes of direction). Accelerated return + relapses can lead to deficits in strength, proprioception, and a loss of confidence.”
Villanueva’s message to Real Madrid
The expert suggests what Real Madrid must do in advance if they wish to sign the Manchester City star in the summer.
“Is it a resounding ‘no’ from a medical standpoint? No. But Real Madrid needs to improve its injury prevention programs and consider its specific context to properly manage the workload each season,” Villanueva explained.
“It’s important to monitor his performance in the coming months. There are risks that need to be assessed: A comprehensive medical examination is mandatory: MRI, isokinetic test (>90-95% symmetry), jump/change of direction analysis, and psychological evaluation. Potential clauses in the contract based on medical history (game bonuses, specific insurance).”
“The signing is viable if the examination is clear. Rodri remains one of the best midfielders in the world when healthy. He could perform at his peak for another 3-4 years, but it’s not without risk. Ignoring his knee history would be a mistake. Let’s hope Real Madrid knows how to manage it.”
Rodri’s stats, contract and value
This season, the Spaniard has played 1,790 minutes from 28 matches in all competitions. This includes 1,246 minutes from 18 Premier League appearances with 14 starts.
His contract expires in 2027, and Transfermarkt value him at €65m.