Rodri faces decision over Man City future with Barcelona and Real Madrid circling

Manchester City midfielder Rodri faces a major decision about his future as he continues his recovery from back surgery. The 2024 Ballon d'Or winner spent much of the 2024-25 season sidelined with a serious knee injury and also dealt with a hamstring issue during part of the previous campaign.

Rodri returned to top form at the World Cup this summer, where he led Spain to their second title and was named the tournament's best player. He had earlier indicated that he would decide his future after the tournament, but he is currently unavailable after undergoing surgery on his back. City are on a pre-season tour in the Far East and are due to face Arsenal in the Community Shield next Sunday, but Rodri has not yet joined up with the squad.

Once he is back, Rodri will have to weigh several options: signing the contract City have offered, playing out the final months of his deal and becoming a free agent next summer, or making a return to Spain. Club sources have previously told BBC Sport that City are counting on the player for next season, and a significant offer would be required before they would even consider selling him.

A move to Barcelona would see Rodri link up with the side that has won the title for the last two seasons, as well as Spain team-mates Ferran Torres, Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsi and Pedri. On the other hand, a switch to Real Madrid could mean a quick reunion with former City colleague Bernardo Silva, who joined Real on a free transfer this summer, and the club is set to be led by the returning Jose Mourinho.

Rodri may not receive a universally warm welcome if he were to join either of the Spanish giants. He previously played for Atletico Madrid, and having once said "you can't turn down the best clubs in the world" when discussing Real, his potential arrival at Barcelona's Nou Camp would certainly draw plenty of attention.