Rodri Keeps Door Open for Real Madrid Move Despite Atlético Past

• Manchester City midfielder Rodri refuses to rule out a transfer to Real Madrid
• Former Atlético Madrid academy player acknowledges potential LaLiga return
• Rodri has just over a year left on City contract, remains focused on recovery and form

Rodri has declined to dismiss the possibility of joining Real Madrid in the future, despite his history with rivals Atlético Madrid.

The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner is now back to regular action for Manchester City after recovering from a cruciate ligament injury sustained in 2024. Rodri, who spent six years in Atlético’s youth system before breaking through at Villarreal and then rejoining Atlético’s first team in 2018, has just over a year remaining on his City contract, which runs until June 2027.

When asked about a potential move to Real Madrid, Rodri told Onda Cero: “No, no. There have been a lot of players who have taken that path. Above all, when they’ve not done it directly, but over time. For me, you can’t rule out the best clubs in the world.”

Rodri’s rise in the Premier League has been remarkable, culminating in a Ballon d’Or following a pivotal role in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph and Manchester City’s treble-winning campaign a year earlier. Despite his Atlético background, he admitted he is open to a return to LaLiga in the future.

“I’ve got a year left on my contract [at City] and at some point we’ll have to sit down and talk,” he added. “I’d like to return [to LaLiga], obviously.”

Real Madrid did not make a central midfield signing last summer, focusing instead on defensive reinforcements and wide players. However, the club is reportedly evaluating midfield options ahead of the 2026-27 season, with young prospect Thiago Pitarch already integrated into the squad alongside established players Aurélien Tchouaméni, Federico Valverde and Arda Güler.

Rodri’s comments have fueled speculation about a potential high-profile LaLiga return, though his immediate focus remains on maintaining his form at City and completing the current season strongly.

WRITTEN BY

Hailey

Hailey Russell is a football journalist and former Division 1 collegiate athlete in the United States, bringing a unique blend of elite playing experience and professional insight to her work. Currently competing at the professional level in Europe, Hailey combines first-hand knowledge of the modern game with sharp analysis across match reports, player development, and tactical breakdowns.

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