Is Now The Right Time For Rodri To Leave Manchester City?

BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - MAY 19: Rodri of Manchester City appears dejected following the team's 1-1 draw in the Premier League match between Bournemouth and Manchester City at Vitality Stadium on May 19, 2026 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)

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In a World Cup dominated by superstars, Rodri arguably shone brighter than anyone else. Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi, among many other household names, caught the eye at this summer’s tournament in the USA, Canada and Mexico, yet it was the Spanish midfielder that got his hands on the trophy at the end of it.

Rodri enjoyed an exceptional World Cup campaign. He was the controlling influence at the base of Spain’s midfield, giving his team a foothold in every match it played. This was certainly the case against France in the semi-final and Argentina in the final when neither side was able to exert much influence.

Real Madrid was clearly watching with the Spanish giants reportedly weighing up an offer for the World Cup winner. Los Blancos’ interest in Rodri is long-standing and it has been previously claimed that the midfielder would be open to a return to his homeland at some point in the future.

Until now, it had been thought that Manchester City would keep hold of Rodri for at least another season. The midfielder is under contract at the Etihad Stadium until the summer of 2027, but it now seems plausible that the Premier League club could cash in on the Ballon d’Or winner sooner rather than later.

Manchester City has already spent a club-record fee on Elliot Anderson who many view as Rodri’s long-term successor. The 23-year-old was a key figure for England at the 2026 World Cup and is ready to make the step up to the next level. City had already secured Rodri’s replacement before the Spaniard has even departed the club.

With Rodri now into his 30s, Manchester City might also feel that now is a good time to move on from Rodri. The best-run clubs remove emotion from the decisions they make and the wisest decision for City to make at this point in time might be to collect a sizable fee for Rodri while that sort of offer is still on the table.

Real Madrid has needed a new midfield anchor since the retirement of Toni Kroos two years ago. The exit of Luka Modric 12 months ago also added to the lack of midfield presence in the Real Madrid side, something that Rodri would rectify as soon as he entered through the Santiago Bernabeu door.

City is in the midst of a generational transition with Pep Guardiola gone and Enzo Maresca now in his place on the touchline. Anderson has been signed to represent the team’s new direction and Rodri’s departure would confirm that Manchester City is set to become something new in the years to come.