Man City were always set to enter a new era ahead of the upcoming Premier League season, but there could be even more changes to come.

Enzo Maresca took over from Pep Guardiola after the legendary manager decided to call time on his decade with the club, in which he dominated domestic soccer.

Since then, there’s been a domino of transfer activity, with stalwarts like Bernardo Silva and John Stones leaving the club, as well as individuals like Nathan Ake, Manu Akanji, and, most recently, James Trafford.

However, they could be about to lose a winner of soccer’s biggest prize…

Real Madrid want Rodri

After helping Spain win the biggest soccer competition, one of La Liga’s biggest clubs has decided they want to bring one of their nation’s heroes back home to the capital city.

Rodri was one of Spain’s most influential players at the tournament and helped captain the side to lift the biggest title, winning both major international competitions in the last two years. He has also been influential for City, helping them to win four Premier League titles across seven seasons, as well as multiple domestic cups and the Champions League.

He was the 2024 recipient of the Ballon d’Or despite missing much of the 2024/25 campaign with an ACL injury, and won the 2026 Golden Ball. He missed part of the 2025/26 season with groin and hamstring injuries, and is now recovering from back surgery.

Real Madrid are said to have been in contact with his agents about a move, which has been described as a “dream” for Rodri, who was arguably the stand out performer in the World Cup for Spain.

Bouaddi the long-term replacement

Amid the news that Rodri could leave the Etihad this transfer window, Morocco’s breakthrough star Ayyoub Bouaddi appears to be on Man City’s radar. He could potentially be viewed as the long-term successor to the 30-year-old Rodri, whether he stays or joins Bernardo Silva at Real Madrid.

It is claimed the Premier League side have already made an offer and are in negotiations with Lille for the 18-year-old, who shone during soccer’s biggest competition.

The main question is thought to be around whether he joins this year or next, rather than whether a deal will get done. The outcome of that may well depend on whether Rodri remains or goes now.