Key Manchester City star open to Real Madrid transfer in huge Pep Guardiola blow

Rodri is reportedly ‘very tempted’ to sign for Real Madrid next summer in what could be a devastating blow for Manchester City.

Widely considered the best defensive midfielder in the game right now, Rodri has been pivotal to City’s recent success, notably going 74 matches undefeatedfrom February 2023 to May 2024.

His trophy haul includes four Premier League titles, the Champions League, the FA Cup, two Carabao Cups and the Club World Cup.

He was named UCL player of the season for 2022/23 as City won the treble and was named player of the tournament as Spain won Euro 2024 over the summer.

It would be strange to imagine the 28-year-old playing for any other club in the near-future, but that could well be a reality with reports from Spain claiming that Real are interested in his services.

AS say that Real are the only club that Rodri would ever consider leaving the Etihad for and he would be ‘very tempted’ to return to his home city and country.

The Spaniard previously played for Villarreal and Real’s local rivals Atletico Madrid before moving to City in 2019 for £62.6million, and Los Blancos think he’d be an ideal replacement for the recently retired Toni Kroos.

While keeping tabs on his situation, Carlo Ancelotti’s side will not make a move for the midfielder until the end of the season, while City, wary of the interest, are keen to extend Rodri’s contract.

His current deal expires in 2027 and the expected departure of Pep Guardiola next summer could well impact the player’s future.

For now, the Spanish captain is on international duty with La Roja as they look to defend their Nations League crown, a task that begins with clashes against Serbia and Switzerland this week.

Thanks to an injury picked up in the summer, Rodri is yet to appear for City this season and could make his first appearance when they take on Brentford at home on September 14.

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