Rodri’s Real Madrid transfer statement rocks Man City

Robin Bairner

26 Mar 2026 06:57 GMT
4 min read

Rodri dropped a transfer bombshell by effectively admitting that he would love to join Real Madrid.

Article continues under the video

The Manchester City midfielder, who won the Ballon d'Or in 2024, has long been linked with a move back to the Bernabeu, yet rarely has the possibility looked so close.

Speaking to Onda Cero, one of Spain’s top sports radio stations, Rodri admitted to holding an interest in moving back to his homeland and did not discount the possibility of playing for Los Blancos.

Current ETV

Rodri

DM, M (C)

Man City

Rodri

DM, M (C)

Man City

ETV Range

€81.7M - €99.9M

Real Madrid have been monitoring Rodri’s contract situation at Man City, with the deal of the 29-year-old set to expire in 2027.

“I have one more year on my contract at Manchester City. At some point, we’ll have to talk,” Rodri admitted.

“I’d like to return to Spain. To go back to La Liga – it’s in my mind. I love the Premier League, the level of competition here, but a return to Spain is something I want to do.”

Rodri: You can’t say no to Real Madrid

He was asked directly about moving to Real Madrid and how his past as a player with Atletico Madrid might influence such a move.

“You can never say no to the best clubs in the world. The fact that I played for Atlético doesn’t mean I couldn’t play for Real Madrid. Others have done the same - like Thibaut Courtois,” he said.

Rodri also sought to play down any rift with Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior, who he beat in the race to win the Ballon d’Or 18 months ago. It was a decision that sparked outrage in the Spanish capital, but the midfielder says that will not be a problem.

“People tried to put me against Vinicius, but I have no problem with him. I respect him a lot. It’s not me or Vinicius deciding awards - it’s other people,” he said.

Rodri to Real Madrid: Fabrizio Romano says it’s one to watch – but not yet

Fabrizio Romano has played down the prospect of Rodri leaving Man City to join Madrid this summer.

He explained on YouTube: “He’s happy at Man City right now, but this could be one to watch very closely for 2027 and beyond.”

The FootballTransfers app

Check out FootballTransfers' new app for all of football's big storylines, transfer rumours and exclusive news in one convenient place directly on your mobile device.

The FootballTransfers app is available on Google Play and in the Apple App Store. Download here:

•Google Play

•App Store