Manchester City midfielder Rodri has finally addressed the growing speculation linking him with a move to Real Madrid, insisting that any decision regarding his future will have to wait until after the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Spain international has become one of the most talked-about names ahead of the summer transfer window, with reports suggesting Real Madrid are closely monitoring his situation as they look to strengthen their midfield options.
Rodri’s current contract at Manchester City is entering its final stages, and by the conclusion of the World Cup in North America, the midfielder will have less than a year remaining on his deal with the Premier League champions. That situation has naturally fuelled rumours about a possible departure, particularly with Real Madrid believed to be interested in bringing the experienced midfielder back to Spain.
The speculation gained further momentum after Real Madrid presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme reportedly identified Rodri as one of the club’s potential transfer targets.
Despite the increasing attention surrounding his future, the 29-year-old has made it clear that his immediate focus is on international duty with Spain.
Rodri is currently with the national team at their training camp as preparations continue for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and he was keen to avoid being drawn into transfer discussions during a press conference on Monday.
The midfielder stressed that his priority is helping Spain achieve success on the biggest stage rather than discussing club matters.
“We’re here to talk about the World Cup,” Rodri told reporters.
“Everything that concerns my future, I’ll wait until the end of the World Cup.”
While refusing to rule anything in or out, Rodri acknowledged that speculation is inevitable whenever a player approaches the final year of a contract.
His comments suggest he understands why rumours are circulating but remains relaxed about the situation.
“When a player is nearing the end of his contract, it’s normal for names to come up,” he explained.
“But I am very calm. I know where I stand.”
The midfielder also hinted that circumstances might have been different had the World Cup not been taking place this year, suggesting that discussions about his future could have been more advanced under different conditions.
“If there hadn’t been a World Cup, perhaps things might be different now,” Rodri added.
The statement is likely to fuel further debate over his long-term future, particularly among Real Madrid supporters who view him as an ideal addition to the club’s midfield.
Since joining Manchester City from Atlético Madrid in 2019, Rodri has established himself as one of the best defensive midfielders in world football. His intelligence, passing ability, composure under pressure and leadership qualities have made him a crucial figure for Pep Guardiola’s side.
His performances have also been instrumental for Spain, where he continues to play a central role in the national team’s ambitions.
For now, however, Rodri appears determined to keep all attention on the World Cup. Rather than allowing transfer speculation to become a distraction, the midfielder has chosen to postpone any discussions regarding his next move until after the tournament.
That means Manchester City, Real Madrid and any other interested clubs may have to wait several more weeks before gaining clarity on one of the biggest transfer stories of the summer.
Until then, Rodri’s focus remains firmly on Spain’s quest for World Cup glory, with any decisions about his club future set to be made only after the final whistle has blown on football’s biggest tournament.
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