Rodri; Bernardo Silva and Ruben Dias. (Luciano Bisbal/Getty Images)
Manchester City look increasingly set to fall short in the Premier League title race for a second consecutive season.
After being beaten to the crown by Liverpool last year, it is now Arsenal who are firmly in control, sitting nine points clear with just weeks remaining.
That situation is expected to trigger a significant summer shake-up at the Etihad, with Pep Guardiola likely to oversee changes across the squad.
And amid that looming rebuild, it appears one of City’s most influential players could be allowed to leave — if the right offer arrives.
City Name Rodri Price
Manchester City could be open to parting ways with Rodri this summer, with a potential move to Real Madrid continuing to gather momentum.
The Spain international has previously admitted he would like to return to his homeland at some stage in his career, and that has naturally put the La Liga giants on alert. However, any deal would require Madrid to meet City’s valuation, with Rodri still under contract until June 2027.
Speaking to Football Insider, finance expert Stefan Borson suggested a fee in the region of £50 million might be enough to tempt City into negotiations.
“Well, it’s inevitable, partly because he’s nearly 30,” said Borson. “The reality is that the best that City could expect is a one-year extension, perhaps. But in terms of this summer, a lot will depend on whether Real Madrid are prepared to pay let’s say £50m, which is probably the level that City would entertain.
“I don’t think it’s a major shock that he’s ready to return to Spain, especially after the injury and the intensity of the Premier League and the fact he’s won everything.
“He’s 30 years old this summer. With Rodri, it doesn’t feel like he is 30 for some reason, but this is just a natural sort of time for him to consider his position.”
Whether City would truly sanction the departure of Rodri remains to be seen.
The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner has been the heartbeat of Guardiola’s side for years, dictating play and anchoring their dominance in midfield.
Losing a player once described by Pep Guardiola as “unbelievable” and the “best midfielder in the world” would represent a huge shift — and how supporters would react to such a decision could ultimately depend on who, if anyone, is brought in to replace him.
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