Few could have predicted how much Manchester City would miss Spanish star Rodri in the heart of their midfield this season.
The 2024 Ballon d'Or winner ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament during a 2-2 draw with Premier League rivals Arsenal back in September, and City have not looked the same since.
This season they have relinquished their league title to new champions Liverpool and suffered a shock 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace in the 2025 FA Cup final.
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Reports are now emerging in the Spanish press suggesting that City could take drastic action to turn their fortunes around.
According to Spanish publication Defensa Central, City have launched a stunning bid to sign England international Jude Bellingham from 15-time UEFA Champions League winners Real Madrid.
However, the publication does not believe that City would pay for the former Birmingham City star with cash.
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Defense Central claim that City would be willing to swap their Spanish maestro for the 21-year-old in what would be one of the most remarkable transfers in football history.
Rodri is expected to make a full recovery from his injury ahead of the start of next season, with City hoping to regain the Premier League title at the first time of asking.
He returned for an eight-minute cameo during City's 3-1 win over Bournemouth on Wednesday after eight months out.
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The 28-year-old was a key part of the Spain side that defeated Bellingham's England 2-1 in the final of EURO 2024.
He has also been key to City's astounding success in recent years and currently has four Premier League titles, one FA Cup and one UEFA Champions League to his name since arriving at the Etihad Stadium.
Bellingham is still only 21, so is significantly younger than his midfield counterpart.
He has hit the ground running since swapping Borussia Dortmund for Madrid in 2023.
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Bellingham won La Liga and the UEFA Champions League during his first season with Los Blancos.
However, they will have to settle for second place this season behind bitter rivals Barcelona.
Reporting by Jonathan Bray.
Topics: Manchester City, Premier League, Rodri
The SPORTbible Team