Rodri could follow Pep Guardiola out the Manchester City exit this summer with the midfielder ‘eager’ to join Real Madrid.
City’s Premier League title hopes came to an end on Tuesday night with Arsenal crowned champions at their expense.
Questions over Guardiola’s future have lingered all season but a bombshell report heading into their game against the Cherries this week revealed he will leave the club after 10 trophy-laden years when the season ends.
While Guardiola refused to confirm his expected departure, Enzo Maresca has been named as his likely successor to lead a new era at the Eithad.
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But City could lose another hugely influential figure in Rodri with reports in Spain claiming a move back to Madrid is now a serious possibility.
Real have regarded the former Atletico Madrid star as a ‘dream but impossible’ signing but Guardiola’s possible exit has changed that.
The City boss and Rodri have shared a close bond during their seven years together in Manchester with the coach making him the heartbeat of his team, integral to the success the club have enjoyed since his arrival in 2019.
But Marca report Rodri has warmed to the idea of returning to his homeland with growing belief at Real a move could finally happen.
City have no desire to let one of their most influential players leave but Rodri’s final decision could play a huge role. Traditionally, City have not stood in the way of players seeking a fresh challenge with Bernardo Silva leaving the club in similar circumstances this summer.
Real’s need to rebuild in midfield is greater than ever with the void left by the departures Luka Modric, Casemiro and Toni Kroos still a major issue.
Jose Mourinho is set to make a sensational return to the Bernabeu and the arrival of Rodri would go some way in restoring some control and physicality in the middle of the park.
His future could hinge on whether Guardiola does indeed walk away when the season ends.
‘The first person I have to talk to is my chairman because we both decide – we will talk, it is simple as that and after that we will take the decision,’ Guardiola said after the defeat to Bournemouth.
‘I have one more year. I will not tell you here as I have to talk to my chairman, with my players and with my staff. I am the happiest man on the planet to be in this club. This club is extraordinary.’