Hugo Viana and Manchester City face possible Rodri exit as Bernardo Silva departure looms

City’s contract offer to the Spain international comes in the backdrop of uncertainty over Pep Guardiola‘s future at the Etihad Stadium, with a firm decision on the Catalan’s plans for next season expected to be made at the end of May.

What Rodri has said on potential Real Madrid switch

Real Madrid have been heavily linked with a move to acquire Rodri’s signature ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.

The 29-year-old began his senior career with La Liga side Villarreal in 2015, followed by a stint at Atletico Madrid before joining forces with Guardiola at Manchester City in 2019.

In the March international break, speculation emerged of Los Blancos being Rodri’s next destination after the midfielder admitted that he hadn’t ruled out a possible move to the Santiago Bernabeu.

In conversation with Onda Cero, the 2024 UEFA European Championship winner said: “I have one year left on my Manchester City contract. At some point, we’ll have to sit down and talk.

Scans reveal true extent of Rodri’s injury sustained during Arsenal win

“Even though I’ve played for Atleti (Atletico Madrid), (Real) Madrid isn’t a closed door for me – you can’t turn your back on the best clubs.”

He also expressed his wish to return to the Spanish top-flight. “I would like to return to the Spanish league, I still follow it,” the midfielder added. “The Premier (League) is my weakness but it is also a very demanding league. For now, I am very happy there (at Manchester City).”

In a press conference prior to Manchester City’s 4-0 win over Liverpool in the FA Cup in April Guardiola shared his take on the situation as he said: “There is not one player I would think that will turn down the chance to play, you know, (for) Madrid and I understand completely, he (Rodri) was born in Spain.

“No, always my wish, my wish, is that Rodri could stay as much longer as possible in this club because he’s an incredible player, a top player, but life for everyone is everyone.”

Since his arrival in England, Rodri has made 296 appearances in all competitions for Manchester City, netting 28 goals and providing 32 assists whilst winning 12 major trophies – including four Premier League titles and the club’s maiden UEFA Champions League title.

Report: Rodri exit to spark major Man City midfield rebuild

With Silva’s exit confirmed, Rodri potentially parting ways with City would lead to a ‘big revamp of Guardiola’s midfield’, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

Revealed: Manchester City stance on Rodri contract talks amid Real Madrid interest

Speaking on Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, O’Rourke said: “There’s going to be a big revamp of Pep Guardiola’s midfield when the summer transfer window opens. Bernardo Silva is leaving and he will leave a big gap in the middle of the park for Man City.”

The journalist mentioned that such departures would leave a ‘big gap’ in City’s midfield and a lack of experienced players in the squad would make for a busy time for the club during the upcoming summer transfer window.

O’Rourke added: “There’s ongoing doubt about Rodri’s long-term future there as well and whether he could make a move to Real Madrid this summer.

“So, if they (Manchester City) lose both of those experienced players, there’s no doubt they will have to be replaced, and it could make way for some of their fringe players as well.”

As Manchester City await a resolution over contract talks with Rodri, Viana and co are reportedly interested in several transfer prospects – including Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson and Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali – to bolster their midfield this summer.