Full Breakdown
Rodri’s Back Surgery and Transfer Rumors: Manchester City’s Stance Amid Real Madrid Interest
7/25/2026, 11:42:28 AM
Core Event
Manchester City midfielder Rodri – 30-year-old Spain captain and 2024 Ballon d’Or winner – will undergo back surgery on Monday. The operation follows injuries that have limited his availability for City over the past two seasons. At the same time, media speculation links the player with a move to Real Madrid, while City officials insist no formal offer has been received.
Background & Context
Rodri’s recent career has been marked by triumph and setbacks. An ACL injury sidelined him for most of the 2024-25 campaign, and a lingering back problem resurfaced after the World Cup. His contract runs until the end of the 2025-26 season, placing him in the final year of his agreement and making a summer transfer plausible.
Data & Statistics
- Age: 30 (born 1993)
- Awards: 2024 Ballon d’Or, World Cup Golden Ball
- Contract: expires 2025-26 season
- Injury record: ACL rupture (2024), back surgery scheduled for Monday
Official Statements & Responses
City expect Rodri to return after surgery, a short holiday and recovery.
Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez has been reported as “confident” a deal could be completed before the summer window closes, though no formal negotiations have been confirmed.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Spanish media (including *The Athletic* and *AS*) claim Real Madrid is actively pursuing Rodri and has reached personal-terms agreements.
- Manchester City statements assert that no official offer has been made and that the club remains calm about the player’s future.
The disparity leaves the likelihood of a transfer uncertain, with no concrete offer documented.
Timeline
- July 22 – Spanish reports note Rodri’s desire to join Real Madrid.
- Monday – Scheduled back surgery.
- August 9 – Rodri will miss a friendly against Atlético Madrid.
- August 16 – City expected to field a full squad for the Community Shield versus Arsenal.
- August 23 – Premier League campaign begins against Bournemouth, with Rodri likely unavailable.
What’s Next
City will monitor Rodri’s rehabilitation after the surgery and holiday. The next public update is expected after the August 9 friendly, when medical staff can assess his readiness for the Community Shield. Any potential transfer will depend on Manchester City’s willingness to negotiate before the summer window closes.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Around a big player, there are always speculation so I’m not worried about that. I think it’s normal also because they won the World Cup. He was one of the best players and I think every manager wants to have Rodri because he’s a top player,” — Enzo Maresca, the Italian coach
- “For now, surgery on Monday and he needs a holiday; he needs to rest and needs recovery,” — Enzo Maresca, the Italian coach
