Expert: Real Madrid could lure Man City star away amid new 'concerns'

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Credit: Imago Rodri: Man City star could be tempted to join Real Madrid amid new ‘concern’ Wed 18 March 2026 17:00, UK Rodri could be tempted to leave Manchester City and join Real Madrid this summer after what has been another frustrating season at the Etihad Stadium.Ongoing issues surrounding inconsistency and a number of underwhelming performances have seen Pep Guardiola’s side fall nine points short of Arsenal in the league.A 3-0 defeat against Real Madrid in the Champions League has all but ended their hopes, meaning the upcoming Carabao Cup final could be their only shot at silverware.As a result, former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Rodri could be part of another wide-scale overhaul of the first-team squad at City.The likes of Bernardo Silva and John Stones could also be allowed to leave in what will be a busy transfer window for Man City as the old guard are replaced.Credit: Imago 🔄 Man City Transfer Update 🔄 Breaking news on signings, elite targets, and contract news from the City Football Group boardroom. VISIT THE TRANSFER HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Rodri could be tempted to leave Man CityBrown told Football Insider last month that Rodri is considering his future at Man City, and any decision could be tied to whether Guardiola walks away.However, regardless of the manager’s future, there is a growing feeling the time may have come for the Spaniard to move on from the Etihad.“There are still a lot of concerns at Man City,” Brown told Football Insider.“You would’ve expected them to beat West Ham at the weekend, that came as a bit of a surprise, but they look vulnerable and they do drop points in those types of games.“You never know what you’re going to get from them at the moment, even the players who are usually so reliable like [Erling] Haaland and Rodri, for example.“Rodri has been one of the best midfielders in the world for a few years now, but he doesn’t look like that at the moment, he’s not stepping up.“I think there’s a real possibility that the time has come for him to move on.Credit: Imago“We’ve spoken before about the interest from Real Madrid and the fact it could prove tempting, and it feels like a bit of a transitional period at Man City.“If they have another season without winning any trophies, and players like Bernardo Silva for example are going to move on, they could refresh the squad again.“It wouldn’t be a major surprise to see Rodri leave as part of that, because you just don’t get that same feeling about Man City at the moment.”Man City prepare for busy summer transfer windowMan City are making big plans for the summer after what could be two back-to-back trophyless seasons for the first time in Guardiola’s career.Both incoming and outgoing deals are expected, with a number of high-profile players expected to move on, while there are key areas of the side that need strengthening.Football Insider revealed on 15 March that Phil Foden could leave Man City amid ongoing doubts about whether he will be offered a new contract.Credit: ImagoThe plan as things stand is for Man City to extend his stay beyond the current 2027 expiry date, but regardless of whether he signs a new deal, he could move on.That comes after a disappointing season for the England international, who has struggled to impress when called upon and is no longer a nailed-on starter.

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