Real Madrid Dodged a Bullet as Rodri's Latest Injury Setback Vindicates Their Transfer Hesitation

Manchester City's midfield star Rodri is reportedly heading into surgery for a back complaint following his standout performances at the 2026 World Cup, adding another layer of uncertainty to his already unclear club future.

Real Madrid have been strongly linked with a pursuit of the 30-year-old, with reports indicating Rodri is highly keen on a move to the Bernabéu — though Los Blancos are not anticipated to make a formal approach for the 2024 Ballon d'Or holder.

At the heart of Madrid's hesitation over Rodri are questions about his fitness and durability. He sustained a serious knee injury back in September 2024 and has struggled to recapture his peak form at club level, despite impressing greatly with Spain during the summer tournament.

According to The Athletic, a new physical setback is now forcing Rodri back onto the treatment table. Madrid's hierarchy will feel vindicated in having shifted their attention to other transfer targets.

How Long Will Rodri Be Sidelined?

At this stage, no specific details have emerged regarding Rodri's upcoming procedure.

The exact nature of the injury and the expected recovery timeline remain unknown, though news of the operation comes shortly after Arsenal confirmed that centre-back William Saliba would be absent for an "extended period" due to a back issue — one that, unlike Rodri's, does not require surgical intervention.

Whether the two cases are comparable remains to be seen, but there are genuine concerns that Rodri will not be fit in time for the start of the new Premier League season, at the very minimum.

What Does the Future Hold for Rodri?

This latest injury setback is yet another development in the ongoing saga surrounding Rodri's club future.

City are eager to retain Rodri, who has just one year left on his current deal, and are believed to have tabled a contract extension. However, no agreement has been reached so far, and Rodri is not thought to have shown any willingness to sign on at this point.

Reports indicate Rodri views a transfer to Real Madrid as a "dream" move, but that sentiment may not be mutual. AS reports that Madrid officials have grown increasingly irritated by persistent speculation linking them to the player, categorically ruling out a bid for the 30-year-old and even privately reaching out to City to make their position clear.

With one year left on his deal, Rodri holds considerable leverage. Should he opt against accepting City's extension offer, Enzo Maresca and the club's hierarchy at the Etihad would face a difficult choice — either reduce their valuation for an immediate sale or risk seeing the influential midfielder walk away for nothing at the conclusion of the 2026–27 campaign.

While Madrid may show little interest at present, the prospect of acquiring Rodri on a free transfer next summer could prove far more enticing given the reduced financial risk — though Los Blancos have been stung by similar situations in recent memory, most notably with David Alaba, another veteran whose career has been derailed by injury.

Madrid's well-known appetite for free transfers could well play a role in shaping Rodri's mindset as he enters contract talks with City.