Rodri: “I Could Not Turn Down” Real Madrid If Call Came

Manchester City midfielder Rodri has opened the door to a future move to Real Madrid, declaring that he “could not turn down” the chance to join the Spanish giants despite his current contract running until 2027.

Speaking to reporters while on international duty, the 29-year-old Spain international said a return to La Liga appeals to him and that previous service at city rivals Atlético Madrid would not stand in the way of a switch to the Bernabéu.

“Would I like to play in Spain again, in La Liga, in Madrid? I would like to return, yes, obviously,” Rodri said. “Having played for Atlético before would not prevent me from playing for Real Madrid … there are other players who have done that before. Maybe not direct transfers, but eventually. You can’t turn down one of the world’s best clubs.”

Rodri, who joined City from Atlético in 2019, has been a cornerstone of Pep Guardiola’s midfield, collecting four Premier League winners’ medals and the 2023 Champions League trophy. He acknowledged that discussions over his long-term future will soon be required, adding: “I have one year left on my contract. There will come a point where we will to sit down and talk.”

This is not the first time the 59-cap Spain stalwart has flirted with the idea of wearing white. In November 2024 he told Cadena Ser: “Obviously, when Real Madrid calls you, the greatest club in history and the most decorated, it is an honour. You always have to pay attention.”

Rodri is currently managing a heavy workload after an eight-month lay-off caused by an ACL and meniscus injury sustained last September. Despite a subsequent hamstring problem that sidelined him for two months, he has still made 28 appearances for City this season.

City are expected to be relatively quiet in the upcoming transfer window after three windows of squad rebuilding, yet the potential departure of Bernardo Silva on a free transfer this summer already presents a significant rebuild in midfield. Should Rodri push for an exit, Guardiola would face the prospect of replacing the two players most synonymous with the club’s tempo-setting style.

The pair’s understanding of when to speed up or slow down play, composure under pressure and tactical intelligence have made them indispensable; losing both in one window would force City to re-establish the heartbeat of their midfield from scratch.

Rodri’s current deal still has two years remaining, but his latest comments ensure speculation over a Madrid move will intensify long before 2027 arrives.