Rodri on his future: City is looking for possible changes

March 18, 2026 Aksel Kryhlmand

Manchester City midfielder Rodri has avoided giving any indication about his long-term future, raising new questions about whether he will remain at the club beyond his current deal.

The Spain international has become a defining figure in City’s recent dominance, particularly during their 2022,23 season when they secured the Premier League, FA Cup and UEFA Champions League. For readers less familiar with football, that achievement, often referred to as a “treble”, is considered one of the highest accomplishments in European club football.

Rodri’s influence extends beyond trophies. Playing as a deep,lying midfielder, he operates as the link between defense and attack, controlling tempo and breaking up opposition play. His performances were widely recognized in 2024 when he was awarded the Ballon d’Or, an annual prize given to the best player in the world.

Despite his importance, his contract with Manchester City runs until 2027 and has not yet been extended, a situation that is beginning to attract attention across Europe.

Interview raises fresh doubts

Speaking to Spanish radio program Carrusel Deportivo, Rodri declined to give a clear answer when asked about his future. According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, who relayed the interview, the midfielder said:

“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.”

While the response does not confirm any intention to leave, it notably avoids offering reassurance, something that often carries weight in football where long,term planning and contract stability are closely watched.

Why real madrid are watching closely

Real Madrid’s interest in Rodri is not new. According to reports from Spanish media, the club views him as an ideal fit for their midfield due to his positional discipline and ability to dictate play.

For those outside the sport, Real Madrid is one of the most successful football clubs globally, known for recruiting elite players to maintain dominance in both domestic and European competitions. Strengthening midfield control is often central to that strategy.

Rodri’s profile, combining defensive awareness with passing range, makes him a natural candidate for a team looking to manage high,pressure matches and maintain possession.

City prepare for possible midfield changes

Manchester City are still expected to prioritize keeping Rodri, but planning for the future is standard practice at top clubs. According to transfer reports, the club has been monitoring Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson as a potential long,term option.

Anderson, who previously developed at Newcastle United, is seen as a younger player with the versatility to fit into City’s system, although any move remains speculative at this stage.

Uncertainty comes at a key moment

Rodri’s comments arrive during a critical phase of the season, when clubs typically begin shaping their squads for upcoming transfer windows.

Even without a confirmed decision, the lack of clarity introduces an element of unpredictability. In modern football, where contracts, transfers and squad planning are tightly interconnected, even a non,committal answer can influence how clubs act behind the scenes.

For now, there is no immediate indication that a transfer is imminent. However, the situation is likely to remain under close scrutiny as both Manchester City and interested clubs assess their next steps.

Sources: Fabrizio Romano

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