Rodri ready to join Real Madrid: Pep Guardiola's departure changes everything

Manchester City midfield leader Rodri is showing serious interest in joining Real Madrid as the Pep Guardiola era nears its end. The Spanish footballer has long been a primary transfer target for "Los Blancos," and the changes in Manchester are paving the way for this move. According to Goal.com reports .

According to Marca, this sensational transfer is being driven by the expected departure of Pep Guardiola. After a decade of unprecedented dominance, the Catalan manager is close to parting ways with Manchester City at the end of the current season. This decision has affected the future of several star players closely linked to the coach's project.

For Rodri, Guardiola is the mentor who turned him into the world's best defensive midfielder. With the coach's departure, the professional and emotional ties keeping Rodri in the Premier League have weakened. Real Madrid, meanwhile, is in need of a player who can control the tempo in the center of the pitch following Toni Kroos's retirement.

Reports suggest that the Madrid club's management considers Rodri the ideal candidate to restore the team's balance. At the same time, a coaching change is expected in the Spanish capital — Jose Mourinho is said to have reached a verbal agreement with Real Madrid. Rodri is seen as the cornerstone of the newly forming team.

Although Rodri is keen to return to Spain, extracting him from Manchester City will not be easy. The player's contract runs until 2027, and the "Cityzens" are known for being tough negotiators. Nevertheless, Rodri's physical and technical capabilities are driving the Madrid club to fight for this transfer.