Rodri, the World Cup-winning Spain captain and Ballon d'Or winner, will undergo back surgery on Monday – and the news has reignited speculation about his future at Manchester City.
The midfielder, 30, guided Spain to World Cup glory last week and was named the Golden Ball winner as player of the tournament. But his last two club seasons were heavily disrupted: an anterior cruciate ligament injury sidelined him for most of the 2024-25 campaign, and further setbacks last season meant he was often unavailable. New City boss Enzo Maresca confirmed the surgery, saying Rodri will then need rest and recuperation before returning to the squad. Maresca did not say when that might be.
“Rodri's back surgery and Real Madrid transfer links explained – what it means for Man City and fans.”
Rodri's injury history is part of a wider story. The midfielder has been linked with a move to Real Madrid, and reports suggest Los Blancos are preparing a bid. Maresca brushed off the speculation, noting that "around big players there are always speculations" and that every manager wants Rodri because he is a top player. The timing of the surgery – coming just after a World Cup triumph and amid transfer rumours – puts City in a delicate position as they enter a new era under Maresca.
For UK readers, this matters because Rodri is a key figure in the Premier League. His potential departure would be a major blow for City, who have just lost legendary manager Pep Guardiola and are trying to avoid the decline that followed Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement at Manchester United. Maresca has insisted City won't repeat United's post-Ferguson slump, citing the club's stability (just three managers in 17 years). But losing a player of Rodri's calibre would test that claim. The transfer speculation also affects City's planning for the upcoming season, with the Community Shield against Arsenal on 16 August fast approaching.
Q: Will Rodri leave Manchester City for Real Madrid? There is no confirmation, but reports say Real Madrid are preparing a bid. Maresca has dismissed the speculation as normal for top players, but the injury and surgery complicate any potential transfer. Rodri's contract and City's willingness to sell remain unclear.
Q: How long will Rodri be out after back surgery? Maresca did not give a timeline. He said Rodri will have surgery on Monday, then need a holiday, rest and recovery before returning to the squad. The extent of the recovery period depends on the surgery's success and his rehabilitation.
Q: Why is Rodri's injury such a big deal for Manchester City? Rodri is a Ballon d'Or winner and Spain's captain, and was named player of the World Cup. He has been crucial to City's recent success, despite injury-hit seasons. Losing him for an extended period – or potentially losing him to Real Madrid – would weaken City's midfield at a time when they are already adapting to life after Pep Guardiola.
What happens next: Rodri's surgery is scheduled for Monday. Maresca expects other injured players to return a few days before the Community Shield on 16 August. Meanwhile, City have broken their transfer record to sign Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for £116m, a sign of their intent to rebuild. The Rodri transfer saga will likely continue until the window closes, with Real Madrid's reported interest hanging over the club.
