Rodri's Pivot: Barca Over Madrid Amid City Uncertainty
20 February 2026
Rodri's Future in Focus
Spanish midfielder Rodri's future becomes the subject of a new transfer rumor cycle, sparked by Gaizka Mendieta's remarks suggesting a Barcelona link while Real Madrid are said to have made contact with the Manchester City star.
Mendieta, a former Barcelona, Valencia and Lazio midfielder who retired in 2007, notes that Real Madrid reportedly approached Rodri, but the player has given no signal of leaving City, and City has not shown a willingness to sell.
The situation could change if Pep Guardiola leaves and a new project takes shape in Manchester.
In quotes cited by the Spanish newspaper Sport, Mendieta dismissed the idea of Rodri joining Real Madrid, saying: "If Manchester City leaves, there is a strong bond with Barcelona, where Txiki Begiristain is, and of course Pep Guardiola, but in the end Rodri will decide for himself, and I think it will be very hard for him to sign for Real Madrid."
Mendieta also stressed Rodri's deep ties to City, which have brought him everything including Champions League success and a Ballon d'Or, adding: "Personally, I think it would be hard for him to depart, given how attached he is to the club; there would have to be an exceptional circumstance."
He further indicated that Guardiola's potential departure, still uncertain, could be a decisive factor in Rodri's future, saying: "If changes happen, then the time may come for Rodri to consider his future."
Punchline time: Rodri's loyalty is so strong that even transfer rumors come with a loyalty card.
Punchline 2: If he stays at City, Barça fans will need a map to the next jersey reveal.
