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Rodri to Leave Manchester City? Real Madrid or Barcelona— Who Will Sign The Ballon d’Or Winner?
Samira Vishwas | August 4, 2026 6:24 PM CST

The future of Manchester City FC superstar and 2024 Ballon d’Or winner Rodri has emerged as the central topic of discussion in the football transfer market as European heavyweights prepare for a potential blockbuster deal. With the Spanish midfielder entering the final year of his contract at the Etihad Stadium, FC Barcelona has made an exploratory approach through representatives to inquire about his situation.

However, reports indicate that the world champion holds a clear priority if he departs England, eyeing a return to La Liga with Real Madrid leading the pursuit. As elite clubs assess their transfer budgets and squad openings, football fans around the globe are watching closely to see which Spanish titan will secure the signature of the world’s top holding midfielder.

Barcelona Or Real Madrid: Where Will Ballon d’Or Winner Rodri Play Next Season If He Leaves City?

FC Barcelona has closely monitored Rodri as they look to reinforce its midfield options following recent injury setbacks to key players like Frenkie de Jong. Despite making inquiries regarding his contractual availability, Barcelona faces significant financial constraints after recent major investments in their squad, alongside pending transfer targets like Joao Cancelo and a new striker.

On the other hand, the Madrid-based football club remains the primary destination favored by Rodri, who harbors a strong desire to return to his home country and don the iconic white shirt in the capital city. Although Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich previously expressed interest, both European clubs cooled their chase upon learning of the player’s clear preference for a move to the Santiago Bernabéu.

Inside The Battle To Sign Manchester City Midfielder

While City has set an asking price of around 75 million euros for their star midfielder, Los Blancos hope to negotiate a lower fee near 60 million euros to complete the transfer. The Spanish giants are proceeding with caution, knowing they must also clear a squad registration slot by moving on at least one player before finalizing any potential arrival.

Currently taking time off on the Adriatic coast in Montenegro following a successful international campaign, Rodri remains focused on rest and recovery while his representatives monitor developments.

With both Barcelona and Real Madrid keeping a watchful eye on Manchester, the coming transfer windows will determine whether the premier defensive midfielder remains in England or secures a landmark return to Spain.


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