Manchester City are now keen on signing Barcelona midfielder Marc Bernal as a replacement for Rodri.
The 2024 Ballon d'Or winner is now pushing for a return to Spain, with Real Madrid working on a deal, which means Man City may be tasked with bringing in a new central midfielder this summer.
In the Premier League last season, the 30-year-old averaged 86.7 accurate passes per 90, which means City may need to sign another midfielder who is comfortable in possession, and there are indications that the Barcelona youngster fits the bill.
After a 3-0 victory against Levante last season, Barca boss Hansi Flick said: "Bernal played as number 6 and also gave us good ball control. He is excellent, always finding the right spot. He is also very intelligent, and that's all the better. It's fantastic that he is at this level."
Marc Bernal's La Liga performance in 2025-26
22 appearances
0.23 goals per 90
92% pass-completion rate
6.75 defensive contributions per 90
55.3% duels won
Much like Rodri, who stands at six foot three, the 19-year-old is also a real presence in the middle of the park, given that he is one inch taller than the Manchester City star, and he actually outperformed his compatriot across some key metrics last season.
League performance in 2025/26 Rodri Marc Bernal
Minutes played 1,514 787
Goals 1 2
Tackles per 90 2.4 3.0
Interceptions per 90 0.8 1.4
Recoveries per 90 6.4 3.3
Man City identify Marc Bernal as Rodri replacement
Manchester City's Rodri applauds fans after the match
It is clear to see why Bernal could be regarded as the ideal heir to the Real Madrid-linked midfielder, and Man City have now burst into the race for his signature, according to a report from Caught Offside.
Rivals Manchester United previously made an attempt to sign the starlet, but he had no interest in moving to Old Trafford, and it could be difficult to tempt Barca into a sale.
That is because the Spanish side haven't shown any willingness to open negotiations, and the La Masia graduate is protected by a €500m (£427m) release clause in his contract.
What Fabrizio Romano has said about Rodri's future at Man City
Rodri-Spain-World-Cup
Considering a deal for Bernal seems unlikely, Man City's best bet may be convincing Rodri to remain at the Etihad Stadium, but Fabrizio Romano has revealed the midfielder "dreams" of a move to Real Madrid.
That said, Madrid president Florentino Perez has blocked a move for the World Cup winner this summer, which suggests a deal could be off the cards.
City presented a new contract offer to their star midfielder way back in April, which remains on the table, with his current contract set to expire next summer.
Should Rodri be unwilling to pen a contract extension, City could also make a move for Lille star Ayyoub Bouaddi, and direct talks have now been opened regarding a deal for the Moroccan.
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