Rodri can’t escape Real Madrid question ahead of World Cup: What he said about his future

Spain’s national team is preparing for the World Cup, but not every player arrives with complete clarity about their future.

Out of a 26-man squad built to chase a global title, a significant portion is either negotiating new contracts, facing expiring deals, or regularly linked with transfer speculation. The result is a camp in Las Rozas where soccer matters most, but the transfer market is impossible to ignore.

Players such as Eric Garcia, Mikel Oyarzabal, Alejandro Grimaldo, Marc Pubill, and Rodri all found themselves at the center of questions during Spain’s media day. Only Garcia managed to keep things strictly focused on the tournament.

The message from inside camp was clear. The World Cup comes first, everything else can wait.

Rodri shuts down Real Madrid talk... for now

“It’s normal for players to be linked with clubs,” Rodri said. “I’m the captain and my job is to lead Spain to victory. There may be noise, but I’m focused on the World Cup. We’ll see later.”

The Manchester City midfielder, widely linked in Spanish media with Real Madrid, made it clear he is not engaging with speculation right now.

Those links have circulated for some time, although Madrid have never taken the situation to an advanced stage. More recently, business figures connected to a possible future Real Madrid presidential bid have fueled the conversation.

Rodri’s current contract runs until 2027, and with Pep Guardiola no longer at City in this scenario, his long-term future remains open.

For now, his stance is simple. Perform at the World Cup first, decide everything else afterward.

Pedro Porro attracts Premier League and Manchester City interest

If Rodri’s situation is one end of the spectrum, Pedro Porro represents another.

Tottenham are expected to make a major effort to renew the Spanish right back, but interest from Manchester City has already emerged. His Premier League form, versatility, and attacking profile make him an attractive option for projects seeking a modern fullback.

North London sources insist Spurs are not giving up easily, but the competition is real.

Víctor Muñoz at the center of a tug of war

Osasuna are hoping to keep Víctor Muñoz for another season, but interest is growing and control of his future is not fully in their hands.

Real Madrid hold key leverage through buyback options starting around $9.3 million, plus matching rights and a 50 percent stake in his rights. That gives Madrid flexibility, and no urgency to rush a decision.

“I want to return”

Alejandro Grimaldo was the most direct voice of the day.

“I want to return to La Liga,” he said at Spain’s training base in Las Rozas. “I want to play for a big club in Spain.”

Clear and unambiguous, Grimaldo’s contract situation also runs toward 2027, and he has previously been linked with Atlético Madrid.

Atlético, meanwhile, are also monitoring Marc Cucurella, a long-term target for the left-sided role they want to strengthen. With Chelsea out of European competition, what once felt unrealistic is now more plausible.

Pubill and Llorente focus on contract renewals

Marc Pubill, a debutant in camp, also found himself in the spotlight, though not for transfer rumors alone.

His current deal is below market value following his move from Almería, and Atlético Madrid are preparing a renewal offer to reflect his rise.

Pubill, however, played down any immediate talk.

“I have no idea and I’m not going to text Julián (Álvarez) to ask either,” he said with a smile. “When something is decided, you’ll see it, just like I will.”

His teammate Marcos Llorente is in a similar situation, with renewal discussions expected but not urgent. His contract runs until 2027 and optimism remains on both sides.

Fabián Ruiz set for PSG extension

Paris Saint-Germain are also moving to secure Fabián Ruiz for the long term.

The Spanish midfielder has been a key part of Luis Enrique’s system, central to PSG’s recent Champions League success. His current deal also runs toward 2027, but an agreement in principle is reportedly in place through 2029, with only final details remaining.

Ferran Torres and Oyarzabal face ongoing uncertainty

Ferran Torres is another name to watch. No extension talks have taken place with Barcelona yet, meaning he will be eligible to negotiate freely from January.

He continues to attract rumors, including occasional links to Barça’s squad planning discussions, but nothing concrete is in motion.

Oyarzabal, when asked about reported interest from Barcelona and Atlético Madrid, dismissed the noise.

“We all know how this works. We’re used to the noise. We’re calm,” he said.

A World Cup camp with one eye on the market

Spain’s media day in Las Rozas was defined by heat, atmosphere, and togetherness. But beneath the surface, the transfer market kept breaking through.

For a squad built to chase global glory, uncertainty over club futures remains an unavoidable backdrop.

Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that of this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.

And there’s more: check out our TikTok and Instagram reels for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.