Officials from Manchester City will ‘seriously consider’ a sale for Rodri for the very first time next summer in the event of their price tag being met.
While the idea of parting ways with the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner once seemed unimaginable, new reports in Spain claim that the Etihad Stadium’s hierarchy are beginning to take a pragmatic approach to the midfielder’s long-term future.
Having endured injury setbacks and an intense workload since his recovery from a serious knee issue last season, there is a growing sense that Manchester City could look to evolve their midfield structure over the next 18 months.
Rodri’s importance to Pep Guardiola’s side remains undisputed – his absence last season coincided with a notable dip in performance levels – while his return coincided with Manchester City’s resurgence in the second half of the campaign.
However, internal planning led by sporting director Hugo Viana has already begun to explore potential succession routes according to claims in the media, including Bayern Munich’s Aleksandar Pavlović – who was recently said to have been identified as a long-term option.
According to a new report from Defensa Central, should an offer of €65 million arrive for Rodri next summer, for the first time City will ‘seriously consider’ a sale for the Spain international, regardless of the club launching the proposal.
However, it has been surprisingly suggested that Real Madrid’s involvement in a chase for the 2024 Ballon d’Or is not certain, with Los Blancos needing the midfielder to return to his best form in order to show interest – something that is ‘at the moment not easy’ for the player.
City’s willingness to entertain such discussions would mark a significant shift in their squad management philosophy. Under Pep Guardiola, the club has typically prioritised contract renewals and squad continuity – particularly with key figures.
Yet, with Rodri now approaching what he himself recently described as the “second half” of his top-level professional playing career, the club may be preparing for a gradual transition in midfield leadership.
Much will depend on the Spaniard’s fitness and form across the current campaign. Pep Guardiola has previously admitted that Rodri’s workload must be managed carefully, after the midfielder experienced discomfort in the same knee affected by last season’s ACL injury.
The emergence of Nico González as a capable stand-in has also eased some pressure on Manchester City’s medical staff to rush Rodri back into consistent three-game weeks.
While no formal decision has been made, the next 12 months could prove pivotal in shaping Rodri’s long-term Etihad Stadium career. If he returns to peak performance and City continue to dominate domestically and in Europe, club officials may be inclined to retain him far beyond 2026.
