Real Madrid Target Rodri as Dream Signing Amid Growing Uncertainty Over Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City Future

Real Madrid are reportedly preparing an ambitious move for Rodri as uncertainty continues to grow surrounding the future of Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola.

According to reports in Spain, the reigning European giants have identified the Spanish midfielder as their ideal summer signing ahead of what is expected to be a major rebuilding period at the Etihad Stadium.

Manchester City are preparing for significant changes following mounting reports that Guardiola is set to leave the club after an extraordinary decade in charge. The Spaniard’s anticipated departure could trigger a major squad overhaul, with senior figures already linked with exits.

Veteran stars including John Stones and Bernardo Silva are both expected to move on when their current contracts expire, while former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has emerged as the leading candidate to succeed Guardiola.

Amid the uncertainty, Spanish outlet Marca reports that Real Madrid are closely monitoring Rodri’s situation and view the Ballon d’Or winner as a transformative signing capable of strengthening the club’s midfield for years to come.

The 29-year-old endured a frustrating, injury-affected campaign after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury against Arsenal in September 2024. Although he eventually returned to action, recurring knee, hamstring and groin issues restricted his appearances throughout the season.

Rodri featured 29 times in all competitions as City attempted to chase another domestic treble, though their hopes were ultimately ended after Arsenal secured the Premier League title following City’s failure to defeat AFC Bournemouth earlier this week.

The midfielder did play a role in City’s recent FA Cup Final victory over Chelsea, although he admitted afterwards that he was still not fully fit physically.

Reports in Spain now suggest that appearance may potentially have been Rodri’s final outing for City should Real Madrid intensify their pursuit in the coming weeks.

Marca describes the Spain international as Real Madrid’s “dream signing”, although the club previously viewed any deal as impossible due to Guardiola’s influence and Rodri’s importance at City. However, Guardiola’s possible exit is believed to have encouraged the Spanish giants to reconsider their chances.

Interestingly, relations between Real Madrid and Rodri became strained following the 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony, which the club controversially boycotted after the City midfielder beat Vinícius Júnior to football’s most prestigious individual award.

Nevertheless, reports claim Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez has since repaired relations with Rodri, potentially opening the door for negotiations over a sensational return to Spanish football.

Should the move materialise, it would represent one of the biggest transfers of the summer window and further underline the dramatic transition looming at Manchester City following Guardiola’s expected departure.