Rodri is drawing closer to a high-profile departure from Manchester City, with Real Madrid firmly in the picture and Spanish media declaring the move his "great unfulfilled dream."

The speculation gathered momentum after City were held to a 1-1 draw at Bournemouth, a result that handed Arsenal their first Premier League title in 22 years and left manager Pep Guardiola without a league title in back-to-back seasons for the first time in his career.

Marca puts Rodri on the front page

Spanish publication Marca splashed the 2024 Ballon d'Or winner across their front cover, reporting that his "willingness to join" Real Madrid "facilitates" a potential deal this summer. The coverage follows growing noise that Guardiola himself could leave the Etihad Stadium after a decade in charge, having accumulated 20 trophies in English football.

Guardiola declined to confirm reports of his own exit after Monday's draw at Bournemouth, but key players have already announced their departures. Bernardo Silva and John Stones are both set to leave City when the season concludes.

A return to Madrid beckons

Rodri spent a season with Atlético Madrid before completing his move to City, and reports in Spain suggest he is eager to fulfil a long-held ambition to play at the Bernabéu. Real Madrid have been without a commanding presence at the no.6 role since the retirement of Toni Kroos, making Rodri, 29, an attractive target for Los Blancos.

FourFourTwo understands that preliminary contract talks took place between City and Rodri during the second half of the season. However, Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez is said to have "eased the tension" with a gesture towards the midfielder — notable given that Rodri beat Real's own Vinicius Jr to the Ballon d'Or — and personal terms are not expected to present any obstacle.

With Rodri's contract at City expiring next summer, the most probable outcome is that he departs as a 30-year-old on a free transfer. Pérez has a well-documented track record of engineering such deals, having previously secured the signatures of David Alaba, Antonio Rüdiger, and most notably Kylian Mbappé on similar terms. Transfermarkt values Rodri at €65 million.

Transfer unlikely before World Cup 2026

Any formal move is expected to be delayed until after the FIFA World Cup 2026, with Rodri anticipated to be named in Spain's squad imminently. City's willingness to sell also remains a significant sticking point, particularly with multiple senior figures already heading for the exit.

Eduardo Camavinga, meanwhile, recently missed out on France's World Cup squad and could seek a move away from Madrid after five years in Spain — further reshaping the midfield landscape at the Bernabéu.

City close out their Premier League campaign against Aston Villa this weekend.