Pep Guardiola Hopes Rodri Stays at Man City Despite Real Interest
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Pep Guardiola Hopes Rodri Stays at Man City Despite Real Interest

26 March, 2026.Sports.16 sources

Rodri signaled Real Madrid as a viable option, keeping the door open. Guardiola wants Rodri to stay and City reportedly pursuing a contract extension.

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Beat 1 · The verdict

Role of Rodri's own comments vs Guardiola's stance on Real Madrid interest

Beat 2 · The divide, quote v quote

“There is not one player that will turn [down] the chance to play for [Real] Madrid," said Guardiola.”

BBBC (Western Mainstream)

“Real Madrid isn’t a closed option for me; you can’t turn your back on the best clubs,"he said, confirming long-standing rumors about his interest in Los Blancos.”

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Contract Talks and Real Madrid

Guardiola expressed hope Rodri will stay despite the player considering a move to Real Madrid.

“There is not one player that will turn down the chance to play for Real Madrid”

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Rodri said you can't turn down the best clubs in the world.

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Guardiola confirmed he would absolutely not stand in the way if he wanted to leave.

City have made a lucrative offer but the player is entering the final year of his contract.

SourcesBBCBBCManchester Evening NewsManchester Evening NewsDaily MailDaily Mail

Injury and Form

Rodri missed almost the entirety of last season after a knee injury.

He won the Ballon d'Or in 2024 despite that absence.

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This season he has played 28 games but missed chunks due to a hamstring issue.

Guardiola said he feels Rodri is really back.

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Transfer Market Dynamics

Manchester City is now willing to let Rodri decide his future and would not block a departure this summer.

Guardiola's openness to letting Rodri leave is an uncommon level of transparency.

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