Midfielder’s Future Uncertain as Manchester City Face Real Madrid Interest | OneFootball

Rodri’s Future Casts a Shadow Over Manchester City

AS Sport reports that the future of Rodrigo Hernández is “yet to be decided” and the coming months will be decisive. The 29-year-old Ballon d’Or winner is in no rush, despite knowing “he will have a succulent renewal offer from Manchester City on the table” running until 2029. Such a deal would match Erling Haaland’s wages and make him the highest-paid midfielder in Europe.

Madrid’s Midfield Mission

Real Madrid are in the market for a central midfielder and Rodri’s appeal is obvious. Born in Madrid and captain of the Spanish national team, he is “one of the most popular players for both Xabi Alonso and the club”. The shortage of elite alternatives has Madridistas focusing on the City star. Reports suggest the admiration from Spain has already “set off alarm bells” at the Etihad.

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City’s Dependence on Rodri

Losing Rodri would be a “devastating blow” for Manchester City. His influence was clear when “Rodri scored the goal” in the Champions League final win over Inter in Istanbul. Without him, Pep Guardiola’s project “crumbled like a sugar cube” during his injury absence last season. His return this term has already lifted performances, highlighted in the Club World Cup and a commanding display against Juventus in a 5-2 victory.

Transfer Clock Ticking

Rodri’s contract expires in 2027. If no renewal is agreed by next summer’s World Cup, City may face the prospect of lowering their asking price to avoid losing him for free. The club “doesn’t want to reach this point under any circumstances” but ultimately, as AS Sport notes, “the ball is in the player’s court”.

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Excited Manchester City fans will be desperate for Rodri to commit his future, yet there is a growing undercurrent of concern. Supporters know he is the heartbeat of Guardiola’s midfield, the glue that holds their passing patterns together, and the shield in front of the defence. The fact that Real Madrid, with Xabi Alonso at the helm, are circling makes this situation even more tense.

If Rodri delays his decision until after the World Cup, the risk for City increases dramatically. By then, Madrid could make a compelling case – the lure of returning home, leading Spain’s midfield in La Liga, and working under a fellow Spaniard with Champions League ambitions. City, for all their financial muscle, will be wary of an emotional pull that money alone cannot counter.

Many fans will also remember the injury-hit campaign and how the team struggled without his presence. That will only intensify calls to secure his signature quickly. Should City lose Rodri, the void would not just be tactical but symbolic – the loss of a player who has been at the centre of their most successful era. This is a storyline no supporter wants to see reach its worst-case ending.