Manchester City officials are reportedly open to considering the sale of Rodri for the first time next summer, provided the right offer comes in.
While the thought of parting with the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner seemed far-fetched in the past, recent reports from Spain suggest that the club’s management is starting to adopt a more pragmatic stance regarding the midfielder’s future.
Following a series of injuries and a demanding workload since recovering from a significant knee injury last season, there is an increasing sentiment that Manchester City might look to reshape their midfield in the coming 18 months.
Rodri’s significance to Pep Guardiola’s team is clear—his absence last season was marked by a decline in the squad’s performance, while his return coincided with a resurgence in the latter part of the campaign.
However, internal strategic planning led by sporting director Hugo Viana is reportedly underway, exploring potential future replacements, including Bayern Munich’s Aleksandar Pavlović, who has emerged as a long-term target.
According to a report from Defensa Central, if a bid of €65 million is made for Rodri next summer, City will ‘seriously consider’ selling the Spanish international for the first time, regardless of the club making the offer.
Interestingly, Real Madrid’s interest in pursuing the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner isn’t certain, as they will require the midfielder to regain his top form—something that is currently challenging for him.
The potential openness of City to such negotiations represents a significant change in their squad management approach. Under Pep Guardiola, the club has traditionally emphasized contract extensions and maintaining continuity, especially with essential players.
As Rodri approaches what he describes as the “second half” of his elite playing career, the club may be gearing up for a gradual transition in their midfield leadership.
Much will hinge on the Spaniard’s fitness and performance throughout the current season. Pep Guardiola has expressed the need to manage Rodri’s workload carefully, especially after he experienced discomfort in the knee that suffered an ACL injury last season.
The emergence of Nico González as a reliable alternative has alleviated some pressure on City’s medical team, allowing them to avoid rushing Rodri back into a rigorous match schedule.
While no formal decision regarding Rodri’s future has been made yet, the next year could be crucial in determining his long-term role at the Etihad Stadium. If he returns to peak form and City maintains their dominance both domestically and in Europe, club officials might be more inclined to keep him well beyond 2026.