Rodri leaves future open after World Cup as Real Madrid and Mourinho feature in talks

Who, what, when and why it matters: Spain and Manchester City midfielder Rodri has told reporters he will decide his club future after the 2026 World Cup, keeping the door open to a possible move to Real Madrid. The comments arrive amid intensified speculation linking him with Los Blancos and reports that Jose Mourinho could be appointed as Real Madrid coach — a development the source says might influence a transfer. The situation matters because Rodri is one of Europe’s leading defensive midfielders, entering the final year of his Manchester City contract after a season affected by muscular injuries.

Why it matters: contract timing and the World Cup influence

Rodri’s decision timeline is significant for several reasons. The midfielder will be in the final year of his City contract going into 2026–27, and Manchester City have reportedly already tabled a renewal offer. A decision taken after the World Cup will shape summer transfer market dynamics: whether Real Madrid must negotiate a fee, accelerate a move, or wait to pursue him as a free agent in 2027 if he declines a new City deal.

What Rodri said at Spain training camp

Speaking at Spain’s training base in Las Rozas ahead of the World Cup, Rodri deflected direct questions about links to Real Madrid and comments from presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme, saying he would wait until after the tournament to address his future. He emphasised his focus on the national team and his role as captain, stating that his priority is helping Spain at the World Cup and that he would deal with club matters later.

How Mourinho and Real Madrid fit into the picture

The source reports that Jose Mourinho has signed a deal to manage Real Madrid for three seasons and that, while transfers at the Bernabéu are usually board-led, Mourinho could still be a decisive influence if he prioritises Rodri. Early reporting cited by the source suggests Mourinho sees a defensive midfielder as a top priority in a squad rebuild.

Financial constraints and timing are also referenced in the source: Fabrizio Romano is cited as saying Real Madrid are not currently positioned to spend heavily on Rodri, making a cheaper fee or waiting until his contract runs out in 2027 the more realistic paths. The source also notes that a Mourinho-driven push could prompt Madrid to accelerate their interest.

• Rodri says he will decide his club future after the 2026 World Cup.
• He made the comments while with Spain at the Las Rozas training camp and stressed his tournament focus as captain.
• Rodri spent the 2025–26 season disrupted by recurring muscular injuries, according to the source.
• He will be in the final year of his Manchester City contract ahead of 2026–27; City have reportedly offered a renewal.
• Real Madrid have been linked with Rodri; Enrique Riquelme (a presidential candidate) publicly stated he would sign Rodri if elected.
• Reports cited say Jose Mourinho has agreed a three-season deal to manage Real Madrid and could influence transfer plans.
• Fabrizio Romano is quoted as saying Madrid are not currently set to pay a large fee and might wait to sign Rodri on a free in 2027 unless they accelerate a move.

Context: Manchester City, contract status and injuries

According to the supplied source, Rodri’s 2025–26 season at Manchester City was disrupted by muscular problems, but he has still been selected in Spain’s World Cup squad by head coach Luis de la Fuente. His contract at City runs through June 2027, leaving the player with leverage if he delays a decision until after the World Cup. The club is reported to have offered a new contract, but no further details on terms or a signing have been provided in the source.

What happens next and what to watch for

The immediate next step is Rodri’s participation with Spain at the 2026 World Cup; he has said he will resolve his club situation afterwards. Key developments to monitor include any official confirmation of Jose Mourinho’s appointment at Real Madrid, statements from Manchester City or Rodri’s camp about contract decisions, and concrete transfer offers from Real Madrid should the club choose to pursue him before his contract expires.

What it means: if Rodri delays a decision until after the World Cup, Manchester City risk losing clarity over a key midfield figure during pre-season planning. For Real Madrid, Mourinho’s reported arrival — if confirmed — could change valuation and timing, either prompting a summer bid or a strategy to wait until 2027 when Rodri would be out of contract, according to the source’s reporting.