Pep Guardiola says he would not block Rodri's Man City exit amid Real Madrid interest
Pep Guardiola has stated he would not stand in the way of Rodri Hernandez leaving Manchester City this summer if the midfielder expresses a desire to depart, amid strong interest from Real Madrid. The City manager's comments, reported by Spanish outlet MD, come as the Spanish international enters the final 18 months of his contract at the Etihad Stadium and with a lucrative new deal from the Premier League champions still unsigned.
Guardiola made his position clear during a press conference on Friday. "The club is above all of us: if a player is not happy, he has to leave," he said. "If he is not, he should knock on the door of the sporting director, accept an offer according to his incredible quality, and then he will no longer belong to the club." The manager did stress that the club's preference is for the player to stay, adding, "I know what the club wants: that he stays, that he stays, that he stays. And I think he will."
The situation places significant focus on Rodri, who is understood to have made clear his openness to a move to the Santiago Bernabeu. Manchester City have reportedly tabled a substantial new contract offer to the 29-year-old in an effort to secure his long-term future, but an agreement has not been reached. With his current deal expiring in June 2027, this summer represents a critical juncture for both player and club.
Rodri has been a transformative figure for City since his 2019 signing from Atletico Madrid, establishing himself as arguably the world's premier defensive midfielder. His influence peaked in 2024 when he won the Ballon d'Or, a rare honour for a player in his position, following a season where he was instrumental in City securing a historic treble. His potential departure would therefore represent a monumental shift in the European football landscape, stripping Guardiola's side of its tactical linchpin.
For Real Madrid, the pursuit aligns with a long-term strategy to refresh their midfield. While veterans like Toni Kroos and Luka Modric have defined an era, president Florentino Perez is known to covet elite, ready-made talent to maintain the club's dominance. Signing Rodri, a Spanish international at the peak of his powers, would be a major statement and provide a long-term successor to the anchoring role currently filled by Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga.
The coming months are likely to be decisive. Rodri is expected to be a central figure for Spain at the 2026 World Cup in North America this summer, with any major transfer likely to be concluded after the tournament. Guardiola's public stance, while supportive of the club's wish to retain the player, notably removes a potential emotional obstacle, placing the decision squarely with Rodri and the club's hierarchy. Should he signal a wish to leave, Manchester City would be in a position to command a world-record fee for a midfielder, given his status and remaining contract length.
