Man City handed second blow as player decides to leave with Pep Guardiola

Having missed out on the Premier League title after draws to Everton and Bournemouth derailed their hunt, Manchester City now faces a massive rebuild project for 2026.

The summer window was already proving to be essential to the City camp, as long-time servants Bernardo Silva and John Stones announced they would be moving on this year.

That was dampened by the news that Pep Guardiola is also set to be leaving the club after ten years in charge - although the quick-witted Spaniard alluded to extending his stay for another year following the Bournemouth draw.

Now, another club icon is following his long-time teammates and manager out of the club, as Spanish outlet Marca has claimed that Real Madrid has finally tempted 2024 Ballon D'Or winner Rodri to join.

Real Madrid 'ready' to sign Rodri

With Real Madrid being in an even worse spot than Manchester City moving into this busy window, action is already kicking off as the biggest clubs want to get deals done prior to the World Cup.

Madrid, especially, is looking to overhaul a dressing room in complete disarray, with Jose Mourinho's stern hand coming in to steady the ship.

With so many outgoings, Mourinho has already started his transfer shenanigans, and now they are 'ready' to go all-in on an 'eager' Rodri.

Rodri continues to be linked with a move to Real Madrid. Image credit: Getty

Rodri, long linked to Madrid, was previously reported to be discussing the move with Dani Carvajal during international trips with Spain.

The holding midfielder has also expressed that he has 'no intention' to stay at Man City for the rest of his career, with Real Madrid being the 29-year-old's 'dream club'.

According to Marca, the relationship between Rodri and Pep was the biggest reason that the Spaniard stayed loyal to the sky blue colours, but with Guardiola leaving, he is now 'very keen to wear white'.

"Now, when Real Madrid most needs to rebuild its midfield, Rodri's name is back in the spotlight with more force than ever," the outlet said in a front-page spread.

"Rodri is starting to like the idea of ​​returning to Spain. Well, he always has."

Previous links between Rodri and Real also included an ambitious swap deal for English icon Jude Bellingham, but the report indicates that, with Tchoumeni and Camavinga both being outcasts, Rodri would be an addition, not a replacement.

It's the move Real have wanted since Kroos, Casemiro, and Modric all left, and it looks like they are prepared to throw the kitchen sink at him.

Rodri is contracted to City until 2027.