Man City face the risk of losing their top midfielder Rodri to Real Madrid

Manchester City risk losing their key player Rodri, as the Spanish midfielder is said to prefer joining Real Madrid during the upcoming summer transfer window.

According to multiple sources, Real Madrid are seriously considering signing Rodri after the 30-year-old played a key role in helping Spain win the 2026 World Cup.

Although the two clubs have not yet held official negotiations, the Spanish giants are reportedly very confident about completing the deal, especially given that Rodri's contract with Man City has only one year remaining.

Notably, Rodri has not yet accepted the renewal offer that Man City sent in April. The midfielder is reportedly keen to return to Madrid for family reasons after years of playing in England. Before joining Man City in 2019, he played for Atletico Madrid. Sources in Spain reveal that Rodri's representatives met with Real Madrid officials in the Pozuelo area earlier this week to discuss a potential transfer.

During his unveiling as the new Man City head coach replacing Pep Guardiola, Enzo Maresca did not shy away from the rumors surrounding the club's star player. The Italian tactician stated that it is completely understandable for Rodri to be pursued by many clubs.

"Players of Rodri's caliber always appear in transfer rumors. I'm not too worried about that. He just won the World Cup and is one of the best midfielders in the world. Any coach would want to have a player like Rodri," Maresca shared.

The 46-year-old manager also revealed that Rodri will undergo surgery early next week before going on vacation to fully recover. Afterwards, the Spanish midfielder will rejoin Man City to prepare for the new season.

Nevertheless, Man City have not given up hope of keeping their captain. If Real Madrid make an official offer, the Etihad side are reportedly set to demand a very high transfer fee.

Alongside persuading Rodri to stay, the blue side of Manchester are also proactively preparing a replacement plan, having signed Elliot Anderson and are negotiating a deal worth around £85 million to bring young talent Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille to Manchester.

In the event Rodri moves to the Bernabeu, Real Madrid's midfield could see major upheaval. Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga may both reconsider their futures if they are no longer guaranteed starting spots. This development is being closely monitored by several Premier League giants such as Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, and even Man City themselves.