“I’m not going to answer that” – Manchester City’s Rodri leaves door open for Real Madrid move | OneFootball

Manchester City midfielder Rodri has left the door open for a sensational switch to the Santiago Bernabeu this summer.

The Spain international has less than 18 months left on his current deal at the Etihad Stadium and doubts have emerged over his future amid a period of transition for Pep Guardiola and co.

Having recently foregone an injury-ravaged 18 months, Rodri has recently returned to regular duties for Manchester City amid their quest for an unprecedented quadruple.

However, as executives at the Etihad Stadium prioritise the signing of a world-class midfielder this summer, Rodri has attracted strong interest from his hometown in Spain.

Why are Real Madrid interested in Rodri?

Rodri has established himself as arguably the greatest number six in world football since joining forces with Guardiola at Manchester City from Atletico Madrid in 2019.

The midfielder became the first player in Manchester City history to win the coveted Ballon d’Or in November 2024 after leading his club to a historic fourth successive Premier League in the 2023-24 season.

He also scored one of the most important goals in the club’s history – the winner in Manchester City’s UEFA Champions League final win over Inter Milan in Istanbul in June 2023 to clinch his side’s first title in the competition.

Rodri has previously attracted interest from the best sides in Europe but has maintained that he is very happy in England. However, with his current deal expiring in 2027, questions remain over the Spaniard’s future at Manchester City.

Rodri on City’s season: We’re struggling in the final third

In conversation with Carrusel Deportivo ahead of Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League Round of 16 return leg against Real Madrid, Rodri assessed Manchester City’s struggles to put games to bed since the start of the season.

“A little frustrated (with the 1-1 draw against West Ham), but that’s pretty much the theme this season,” the midfielder said, as relayed by Sport Witness.

“We’re struggling in that final third, that quality to score. Perhaps it’s costing us a lot, but in football, the most important is putting the ball in the net.”

How has Rodri responded to speculation over his Manchester City future amid Real Madrid interest?

Rodri is believed to be considering an exit from Manchester City in the upcoming transfer window, with Real Madrid prioritising the Spaniard’s signing to shore up their roster in the middle of the park.

Asked whether he will be leaving Manchester City at the end of the season, Rodri added: “No, no. I’m not going to answer that.

“It’s a time to think about what we have now, with my team, about my season, which is quite a lot – and then we’ll see.”

Manchester City officials have delayed contract renewal talks with the Ballon d’Or winner as he made his way back to full fitness from a series of injuries and are now relying on the goodwill they feel they have shown Rodri to tie him down to a new, long-term deal.