Top News

Manchester City have been cautioned that keeping Rodri could prove “difficult” if Real Madrid express formal interest, according to former Blues player and coach Peter Reid. Speaking to GOAL, Reid suggested that more high-profile figures might follow Pep Guardiola out of the Etihad Stadium as the club enters a period of transition. The upcoming summer could witness significant changes, with speculation swirling that a Ballon d’Or-winning midfielder may be part of a major squad reshuffle.

Rodri, who hails from Madrid, has been linked with a potential return to his hometown club. After a decade of unprecedented success in England, Catalan tactician Guardiola has opted to bring his time with City to an end, stepping down from Premier League management and taking a well-earned break from football’s relentless intensity.

Attention has now turned to how the reigning champions will fare without the iconic figure who guided them to multiple domestic and European honours. Former assistant coach Enzo Maresca is widely expected to take on the challenge of replacing Guardiola, inheriting one of the most successful squads in modern football history.

Maresca will likely seek to imprint his own vision on the team, with reports suggesting potential player movement ahead of the transfer window opening on June 15. Rodri, a Spain international and former Atlético Madrid midfielder, has long been admired by clubs back in his homeland.

The Madrid-born star, who will soon turn 30, has not quite looked the same since suffering a serious ACL injury in September 2024. However, a return to Spain, especially to join the ‘Galácticos’ at Santiago Bernabéu, could be an appealing prospect for the midfielder eager to reconnect with his roots.

When asked if City might sanction a sale this summer, Reid — speaking at the world’s largest World Cup-themed auction hosted by BUDDS, the UK’s leading specialist sports memorabilia auctioneers — told GOAL: “Before the injury, I agree with you, a cruciate is a bad one — I had one myself. Back in my day, the tools they used were primitive! Rodri is a top-quality player. There’s a new management setup coming in, and there are rumours that Real Madrid are interested.”

He continued: “Being a Spanish lad, if Real Madrid come knocking, it will be tough for Manchester City to keep him. But he’s a class act, and I’m confident he’ll come back as strong as ever.”

Rodri, who has collected four Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy during his time at the Etihad, is not the only high-profile player linked with a possible exit. Portuguese defender Rúben Dias is also reported to be considering his future.

When asked whether more stars could follow Guardiola out of the club, Reid responded: “I think there will inevitably be changes. Pep’s time at Manchester City has been remarkable — everyone can see that. With a new regime comes natural evolution; that’s part of football.”

Reid drew parallels with Manchester United’s transition after Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure, noting: “When Sir Alex left, it brought changes — it always does. The key is how the club manages it. Manchester City still possess tremendous quality, but yes, a new chapter is beginning.”

He added: “It’s fascinating, really. While I’m currently focused on the World Cup, next season’s Premier League is shaping up to be incredibly exciting. There will be multiple managerial changes — not just at City. It’s going to be a thrilling campaign.”

At present, both Rodri and Dias are representing their nations — Spain and Portugal respectively — at the 2026 World Cup, where both teams rank among the favourites to lift the trophy in North America. Should they achieve that feat, their contributions will be remembered among football’s greatest moments.

Memorabilia from such triumphs often become prized collectibles, drawing interest from fans worldwide. This summer, collectors will have the opportunity to acquire historic items, including shirts worn by Martin Peters and Alan Ball in the 1966 final, as well as the gold medal Pele received in 1958 after leading Brazil to their maiden World Cup victory.

The BUDDS World Cup Auction is scheduled for 25 June 2026, with the online timed auction commencing on 2 June. Fans and collectors can find more details on the event and even obtain free online valuations for their sporting memorabilia.