Spanish Ballon d’Or winner ‘crazy’ about joining Real Madrid this summer | OneFootball

The departure of Pep Guardiola is set to have major ramification in the Manchester City squad this summer, with a host of star players now likely facing an uncertain future at the club.

Bernardo Silva already appears to be on his way out of Etihad, having already been offered to Real Madrid. But he won’t be the only one leaving, as Rodri, too, may soon join the list.

Real Madrid are one of the clubs linked with a move for the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, who has been labelled as the potential fix to the club’s problems in midfield.

Rodri keen on joining Real Madrid

Rodri is keen on a Spain return. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

According to MARCA, Rodri has long harboured a desire to return to Spain, and with Guardiola’s potential departure removing the one factor that kept him anchored to Manchester, that possibility is now more realistic than ever.

At Real Madrid, there is a genuine belief that if the right circumstances align, the transfer could be viable, as the midfielder is crazy about joining Los Blancos.

The club has admired his profile for years, with his leadership, tactical intelligence and ability to control the tempo of matches making him the ideal candidate to fill the void left by Toni Kroos’ retirement.

Why Guardiola’s exit changes everything

Rodri could be the missing piece in the Real Madrid midfield. (Photo by Annabel Lee-Ellis/Getty Images)

The connection between Rodri and Guardiola has been one of the defining relationships in European football over the past few years.

Pep shaped Rodri’s career from day one, making him the linchpin of the most dominant City side in history. His absence through injury last season left City so badly exposed that it arguably cost them the Premier League title.

With Guardiola now potentially leaving, there is every chance Rodri may leave the club in the coming summer.