Manchester City are about to enter a new era at the Etihad Stadium following Pep Guardiola's exit this summer, and they could be set to lose another top star too.
The Cityzens have splashed a club-record £116m to bring in Elliot Anderson to bolster their midfield this summer, while Nathan Ake, Bernardo Silva, and John Stones have all departed, with new manager Enzo Maresca looking to put his stamp on the squad.
But while the Premier League runners-up look at more opportunities in the market, it has now emerged that they face a battle to keep one of their most important players ahead of the new season.
Real Madrid Make Move for Rodri
Rodri Manchester CityREUTERS/Peter Powell
According to a report by Marca journalist Sergio Valentin, Real Madrid have made the decision to make a move for Rodri following the conclusion of the World Cup.
The Spain captain, who has been described as 'phenomenal', has reached the final of the tournament with his nation following a stellar tournament, and is expected to start in the final once again when they face Argentina on Sunday night.
The 30-year-old has been strongly linked with a move to the Bernabeu in recent months, but City have tried to combat that by offering him a new long-term contract to extend his stay beyond 2027, when his current deal expires.
However, it has now emerged that new Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho has made it clear that he wants another midfielder to be part of his squad, and Rodri has been identified as the top target.
In fact, Madrid bosses have reportedly told Rodri that they will make their move to sign him once the World Cup is over, and the Ballon d'Or winner wants to make the switch back to his homeland.
Fees correct prior to summer 2026
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Rodri Exit Would Be Huge Blow
Rodri in action for Spain vs France at the 2026 World Cupvia Reuters
Losing Guardiola in the summer was enough for many people to doubt Man City's credentials for the new season, but losing Rodri as well would surely be the end of their title charge before a ball has even been kicked.
The former Atletico Madrid star has developed into the best midfielder in world football at City, and he has won everything there is to win, while also writing his name into club folklore by scoring the winning goal in the Champions League final.
A chance to move to Real Madrid doesn't come around very often, especially for a Spaniard, and it may be too difficult to turn down for him. City will undoubtedly demand a big fee, but with less than a year remaining on his contract, they may well find themselves vulnerable to yet another big exit.
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