Rodri’s future at Manchester City could be affected by Barcelona’s influence at the Etihad Stadium, according to a former Camp Nou midfielder.
Uncertainty surrounding the Spain international’s long-term plans has intensified in recent weeks, with ongoing and seemingly incessant reports coming out of Spain linking him with a potential return to La Liga – and specifically Real Madrid.
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With his current contract running until the end of the 2026/27 season and no official confirmation of an extension yet in progress, speculation has understandably accelerated ahead of the next summer transfer window.
Manchester City, for their part, remains determined to retain one of the most influential players of the Pep Guardiola era. The 29-year-old became the heart of the team, dictating the tempo and providing balance in midfield, and his importance was only highlighted after his return from a serious knee injury.
Although interest from abroad is not new, suggestions of a possible move to Real Madrid have added new intrigue to the situation. However, a former Barcelona man believes City’s deep links with the Catalan giants could prove decisive.
Speaking in a recent interview relayed by SPORTFormer Barca midfielder Gaizka Mendieta has insisted he believes the impact Barcelona have indirectly had on City will make it very difficult for Rodri to join Real Madrid.
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“If he leaves Manchester City, I imagine an agreement will be reached with the club,” Mendieta said. “Also, there is a strong connection with Barcelona,” he continued.
“Txiki Begiristain (former sporting director) was there, and of course Pep Guardiola too. But in the end, it’s Rodri who will decide personally. And I think it would be very difficult for him to sign for Real Madrid.”
But giving his own thoughts on Rodri’s chances of leaving Manchester City, Mendieta said: “Personally, I think it will be difficult for him to leave, especially knowing how attached Rodri is to the club. It would be an extreme situation in which he would practically be forced to leave.”
“If there are changes (in Pep Guardiola’s position as Manchester City manager), now is the time for Rodri to think about his future.”
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The influence of figures such as Pep Guardiola and Begiristain, both of whom share deep links with Barcelona, has long shaped City’s footballing identity. This shared philosophy and structural link has often blurred the lines between the Etihad Stadium and Camp Nou, making a direct move to Real Madrid a complex proposition.
A lot could depend on Guardiola’s future, and if there was a significant change at management level it could naturally prompt reflection among the senior players, including Rodri.
For now, however, the midfielder remains central to City’s ambitions, and any decision regarding his next transfer appears far from imminent. With negotiations believed by some to be ongoing and growing interest from Spain, Rodri’s future continues to be one of the notable talking points heading into the summer.
