Barcelona? Real Madrid? Man City's Rodri has a decision to make

Rodri missed a significant portion of the 2023‑24 campaign after sustaining a serious knee injury, and earlier hamstring problems had also limited his availability. Despite those setbacks, the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner returned to peak form at the summer World Cup, helping Spain capture their second title and earning the tournament’s best‑player award. He indicated earlier that his future would be clarified after the international competition, but he remains sidelined following back surgery and has yet to re‑join his Manchester City teammates for pre‑season training in the Far East. City are scheduled to meet Arsenal in the Community Shield on Sunday, but Rodri’s participation remains uncertain. Once he is fit to play, Rodri faces a major decision about his next club. He could accept the extension offered by City, see out the final months of his current deal and become a free agent next summer, or he might pursue a move back to Spain. Sources at Manchester City told BBC Sport that they are “counting on” him for the upcoming season, although any serious interest from another club would need to submit a suitable offer to secure his services. A transfer to Barcelona would allow Rodri to join the side that has won the La Liga title in each of the last two seasons and link up with fellow Spaniards Ferran Torres, Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsi and Pedri. Alternatively, he could reunite with former City teammate Bernardo Silva, who joined Real Madrid on a free transfer this summer, under the guidance of returning head coach José Mourinho. Rodri, however, may not receive a universally warm welcome should he sign for either of Spain’s traditional giants. He previously played for Atlético Madrid and has remarked, “you can't crook down the champion clubs in the world” when discussing Real Madrid. Should he end up at the Nou Camp, the reaction would likely be intensely scrutinised.