Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has conceded that the club faces a significant challenge in retaining star midfielder Rodri, with the player reportedly expressing a desire to join Real Madrid. Rodri, who captained Spain to World Cup victory, has one year remaining on his current contract with City and has not yet agreed to a new deal offered in April.
Sources indicate that Rodri wishes to return to Madrid for family reasons. He previously played for Real Madrid's city rivals, Atletico Madrid, before his move to Manchester City. His agents are understood to have met with officials from Real Madrid earlier this week.
Maresca, speaking at his unveiling as Pep Guardiola's successor, acknowledged the widespread admiration for the midfielder. "Around big players there are always speculations so I am not worried about that," Maresca stated. "I think it is normal, also because they won the World Cup, because he is one of the best players. I think every manager wants to have Rodri because he is a top player."
Despite the speculation, Maresca noted that Rodri would be taking a break following his international commitments. "But now, surgery on Monday. He needs a holiday, he needs to rest and recover and then he will be back with us."
Manchester City would expect a substantial transfer fee if Real Madrid were to formalize an approach, though the club has not given up hope of extending Rodri's contract. The club has been active in the transfer market, securing Elliot Anderson and pursuing a reported £85 million deal for Lille's Ayyoub Bouaddi.
Reports suggest that new Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho is seeking to recruit senior players to address perceived dressing room issues, and Rodri is seen as a potential fit for this strategy. The potential departure of Rodri could also impact other midfielders at Real Madrid, with Premier League clubs monitoring the situations of Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga. Manchester United have previously shown interest in Tchouameni, but a move is considered difficult due to cost and wage structure. Camavinga has also attracted attention from several English clubs, but any move would depend on his willingness to leave the Spanish club.