Txiki Begiristain ‘informs people close to him’ of imminent Real Madrid interest in unexpected Manchester City star | OneFootball

Manchester City’s sporting director Txiki Begiristain has reportedly ‘informed some people close to him’ of imminent Real Madrid interest in Rodri.

The former Barcelona chief is understood to be approaching the end of this time at the Etihad Stadium, with the wider feeling being that he will leave the club following a 12-year stay alongside Pep Guardiola, despite a date having not been decided.

In the meantime, it is expected to be business as usual for the 59-year-old, who will aim to ensure that Pep Guardiola and Manchester City have the best talents at their disposal to compete for all available honours into the new season.

However, in a staggering new claim, arguably Pep Guardiola’s most integral component of his set-up could be subject to transfer interest from one of Europe’s biggest clubs, with Real Madrid eyeing Rodri for the future plans.

That is according to the information of journalist Joan Fontes, who reports that prior to his eventual departure from City, sporting director Txiki Begiristain has ‘informed some people close to him’ that defensive midfield mainstay Rodri will be the subject of transfer interest.

The report claims that the Spain international star has become the player chosen by Real Madrid chief Florentino Pérez to reinforce the Santiago Bernabeu club’s midfield, either this summer or for the summer of 2025.

At this stage however, the common consensus is that of all the players to be eyed for transfer in future, Rodri would be among a very elite group within Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City squad to not be for sale.

Not many players would fit into that category from the viewpoint of most supporters, with Phil Foden, Ruben Dias, John Stones, and Ederson perhaps the only other few that would cause immense heartbreak should they ever leave the organisation.

For the time being, Manchester City will almost certainly be eyeing a contract renewal for Rodri in the very immediate future, as they look to reward the 27-year-old for his truly transformational impact on the football club since his arrival in 2019.