Spanish midfielder to decide Premier League status after World Cup

Manchester City midfielder Rodri has revealed that any decision regarding his future at the club will be postponed until after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, amid growing speculation linking him with a move to Spanish giants Real Madrid. 

The Spain international, whose contract at the Etihad Stadium expires next year, said his full focus remains on helping his country at the global tournament.

The 29-year-old has been mentioned as a potential transfer target for Real Madrid, particularly if presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme succeeds incumbent Florentino Perez in the club’s upcoming election. 

Rodri, however, insisted that discussions surrounding his next career move can wait until after the World Cup, stressing that his immediate responsibility is to perform for Spain on the biggest stage.

Speaking at a press conference, Rodri acknowledged that rumours are inevitable when a player approaches the final year of a contract. 

He said he remains calm about the speculation and understands that transfer stories are a normal part of professional football. 

While refusing to be drawn into discussions about his future, he hinted that the absence of a major international tournament might have led to a different situation.

Since joining Manchester City from Atletico Madrid in 2019, Rodri has established himself as one of the most influential midfielders in world football. 

He has played nearly 300 matches for the club and has been a central figure in City’s era of dominance, helping the team win multiple Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League.

Rodri’s individual achievements have also been significant. He won the Ballon d’Or in 2024 after a series of outstanding performances for club and country. 

However, his progress was interrupted by a serious cruciate ligament injury suffered in September 2024, a setback that limited his appearances and required a lengthy recovery period before he returned to action.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding his contract situation, Rodri’s immediate focus remains on international duty with Spain as they pursue World Cup glory. 

Any conversations regarding a possible return to his homeland or an extension of his stay at Manchester City are expected to be addressed once the tournament concludes, with the midfielder determined to avoid distractions during the competition.