Manchester City star Rodri makes stance on Etihad exit as Real Madrid reignite transfer pursuit: Reports

Manchester City’s midfield maestro, Rodri, has once again addressed the swirling rumors linking him with a move to Real Madrid, reportedly dismissing any immediate plans to depart the Etihad Stadium. The Spanish giants have held a long-standing interest in the defensive midfielder, but Rodri’s commitment to Manchester City appears unwavering.

Rodri’s influence on Manchester City’s recent success cannot be overstated. His exceptional performances have been instrumental in the team’s dominance, a fact underscored by his prestigious 2024 Ballon d’Or triumph. However, the Cityzens have been without his services since last September, when he sustained a knee ligament injury during a Premier League clash against Arsenal.

Despite his current spell on the sidelines due to injury, the speculation surrounding Rodri’s future continues to persist, with Real Madrid seemingly undeterred in their pursuit. According to reports from the Spanish publication Cadena SER, Real Madrid’s president, Florentino Perez, views the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner as the ideal candidate to fill the void left by the departure of Toni Kroos, who retired from professional football last summer.

Kroos’ retirement has created a significant gap in Carlo Ancelotti’s midfield, leaving Los Blancos lacking their usual control and composure in the center of the park. This absence has been keenly felt throughout the 2024-25 campaign, contributing to their disappointing exit from the Champions League quarterfinals at the hands of Arsenal. Additionally, they currently trail their arch-rivals, Barcelona, by four points in the LaLiga title race, with only six games remaining in the season.

The aforementioned report suggests that Perez is determined to address the club’s midfield deficiencies and is prepared to make a substantial offer for Rodri during the upcoming summer transfer window. However, contradicting these claims, German outlet Bild reports that the 28-year-old midfielder is content with his current situation at the Etihad Stadium and has no immediate intentions of seeking a transfer.

Rodri’s journey with Manchester City began in 2019, when he joined the club from Atletico Madrid. He is currently under contract with the Premier League side until 2027, a testament to the club’s faith in his abilities. His market value is estimated to be around €130 million, according to Transfermarkt, reflecting his importance to the team.

The ongoing interest from Real Madrid highlights Rodri’s exceptional talent and the pivotal role he plays in Manchester City’s system. His ability to dictate the tempo of the game, break up opposition attacks, and contribute to the team’s attacking play makes him a highly sought-after player.

While Rodri has reportedly expressed his contentment at Manchester City, Real Madrid’s pursuit underscores their desire to bolster their midfield options. The departure of Kroos, coupled with the team’s recent struggles, has intensified their search for a world-class midfielder capable of controlling games and providing stability.

The situation remains fluid, and while Rodri’s current stance suggests he is not looking for a move, the allure of playing for a club like Real Madrid, with its rich history and global appeal, could potentially influence his decision in the future.

The reports also indicate that Real Madrid are prioritizing Rodri over Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi. The Spanish giants have been linked with Zubimendi for some time, but it appears their focus remains on securing Rodri’s services.

According to TEAMtalk, Dani Carvajal is playing a key role in Real Madrid’s pursuit of Rodri. This suggests that the club’s senior players are also involved in identifying and targeting potential signings, emphasizing the importance of Rodri to their plans.

Arsenal are also reportedly interested in Zubimendi. However, reports suggest that the Real Sociedad midfielder prefers a move to Real Madrid. Despite Zubimendi’s preference, FootMercato claims that Real Madrid’s priority is Rodri.

The transfer saga surrounding Rodri and Real Madrid is likely to continue in the coming months, with both clubs potentially vying for his signature. Rodri’s current contract with Manchester City and his reported happiness at the club could prove to be significant obstacles for Real Madrid to overcome.

Zubimendi’s contract with Real Sociedad also runs until 2027.