Manchester City’s hopes of reclaiming the Premier League title have been thrown into fresh doubt after football analyst and award-winning broadcaster Adam Catterall warned the club against allowing midfield star Rodri to leave this summer.
With speculation linking the Spanish international to a sensational move to Real Madrid, Catterall believes losing the midfield general could derail City’s ambitions before the new season even gathers momentum.
Speaking on talkSPORT’s Saturday Session, the analyst insisted Rodri has fully recovered from the injury issues that slowed him down last season and is once again performing at an elite level. His outstanding displays for Spain at the FIFA World Cup, according to Catterall, prove the Ballon d’Or contender is back to his very best.
“There is considerable discussion surrounding Rodri at the moment,” Catterall said, adding that the midfielder remains the heartbeat of Manchester City’s system.
He argued that Rodri’s influence extends far beyond statistics, describing him as the player who controls City’s rhythm, protects the defence and dictates matches from midfield. Without him, Catterall believes Pep Guardiola’s side would struggle to compete with rivals for another Premier League crown.
“I truly believe that if he transfers to Real Madrid during this window, it will severely hinder Manchester City’s chances of winning the Premier League. His influence is that significant,” he said.
Transfer reports continue to suggest that Real Madrid are working to bring the 30-year-old to the Santiago Bernabéu before the start of the 2026/27 campaign. Rodri is yet to agree to a contract extension with City despite receiving a new offer, while his current deal is due to expire next June.
Anticipating a possible departure, Manchester City have already strengthened their midfield by signing Elliot Anderson for £116 million and are reportedly pushing to secure Morocco international Ayyoub Bouaddi.
Whether City can convince Rodri to stay could become one of the biggest transfer stories of the summer—and perhaps the defining factor in the Premier League title race.
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