- Rodri has been namechecked in Spain again
- Real Madrid politics could put City on alert
- Man City are unlikely to view it as a formal move
Rodri has already been central to one era-defining project at Manchester City, but the midfielder’s name is now being used in one of Spain’s biggest football power battles.
Pep Guardiola’s departure has naturally increased speculation at the Etihad. Likewise, Man City have seen several of their key players linked with moves away since.
Rodri remains one of the most important players for the Sky Blues. Nevertheless, his previous links with Real Madrid have never completely disappeared.
City have little reason to entertain the thought of losing him, but Los Blancos remain firm in their hopes of signing the Spaniard.
Regardless, the latest comments around the midfielder have not come across as a transfer rumour. Instead, they have come from the middle of Real Madrid’s presidential election race.
Real Madrid candidate makes Rodri transfer promise
According to AS, Real Madrid presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme has namechecked Rodri as part of his sporting vision if he defeats Florentino Perez.
The 37-year-old businessman also claimed that his project would include major sporting figures in addition to the Spanish midfielder.
Speaking on Tiempo de Juego, Riquelme said, “If I am president, a player like Rodri will play at Real Madrid.”
Riquelme has emerged as the first serious challenger to Perez in years. Likewise, his campaign has already generated attention across Spain.
The Real Madrid candidate has been pushing a member-focused project and has criticised aspects of the club’s current direction.
Man City will not panic over election talk
With the talk coming as a political promise, Man City won’t be worried despite Rodri’s continued links to Los Blancos.
The Madrid-born midfielder made it clear that he would like to return to Spain one day during an interview with Onda Cero.
However, Riquelme could be using the midfielder as campaign talk and may not be able to fulfil his promise with Rodri in talks for an extension at the Etihad.
Man City cannot let Rodri become part of a bigger rebuild problem
The timing also remains an issue for the Citizens. With Pep Guardiola’s reign now over, senior players have been linked with moves away from the club.
However, with Bernardo Silva already gone, the departure of another midfielder would prove costly for City.
Rodri’s contract also runs until 2027. While talks regarding an extension are in progress, the FA Cup winners will want to seal the deal early to avoid further rumours.
