Rodri fuels Real Madrid speculation with blunt admission: “You can’t turn down the biggest clubs”
Manchester City star set for contract talks ahead of the World Cup after fueling fresh speculation about his long-term future.
Rodri is back. After what he described as a “mini preseason” to regain peak form, the Manchester City midfielder has returned to Spain duty during the final international break before this summer’s World Cup. It is a date circled on his calendar, but it is far from the only one that matters right now.
The 29-year-old, who won the 2024 Ballon d’Or, is under contract with City through June 30, 2027, placing his long-term future firmly into focus.
Contract talks on the horizon
That timeline means Rodri effectively has just over a year to clarify his next move. For now, the expectation is that Manchester City will look to extend his deal.
“I have one year left on my contract, so at some point we’ll have to sit down and talk,” Rodri said in an interview with Radioestadio Noche.
However, when asked about Real Madrid, the Spanish international stopped short of shutting down the possibility.
“Even though I played for Atlético, Madrid is not a closed door for me. You can’t turn down the biggest clubs,” he said.
Real Madrid not actively pursuing Rodri move
Despite the comment, there is no indication that a move is imminent. Real Madrid is not currently targeting Rodri in the upcoming transfer window, making his remarks more hypothetical than predictive.
Focus shifts to trophies and the World Cup
For now, Rodri’s attention remains on the field. Manchester City recently lifted the Carabao Cup, but their Champions League exit is still fresh.
That leaves two major domestic objectives. City is chasing Arsenal in the Premier League title race, sitting nine points back with a game in hand, and is also preparing for a high-stakes FA Cup quarterfinal against Liverpool.
World Cup looms large
Beyond club commitments, the World Cup this summer represents the biggest stage of all. Rodri’s recent return to form is perfectly timed, and his priority is clear.
He wants to arrive at the tournament in peak condition, ready to anchor Spain’s midfield on the global stage.
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