Midfielder Rodri missed a large part of the 2024‑25 season with a serious knee injury and a hamstring problem. He returned to form in the summer World Cup, helping Spain claim their second title and winning player of the tournament after claiming the 2024 Ballon d’Or. Despite he said earlier this season that his future would be sorted after the tournament, but a recent back operation has put him out of action. Manchester City are on a pre‑season tour in the Far East and will face Arsenal in the Community Shield next Sunday, yet Rodri has not yet re‑joined his teammates.

Once fit, he will face a major decision. He could honour the remaining months of his City contract and become a free agent next summer, or he could pursue a move to Barcelona or Real Madrid. A switch to Barcelona would put him alongside national‑team mates Ferran Torres, Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsí and Pedri, while a Real move would reunite him with former City partner Bernardo Silva and see the club under Jose Mourinho. Fans in Spain would be keen to see how a former Atlético player is received at either club.