\n<\/p>\n
Rodri missed much of the 2024-25 campaign after sustaining a serious knee injury, and parts of last season were disrupted by a hamstring issue.<\/p>\n
However, the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner was back to his best at the World Cup in the summer, leading Spain to their second title and being named player of the tournament.<\/p>\n
Rodri said earlier this season his future would be sorted out after the tournament, but he is currently out of action after undergoing back surgery.<\/p>\n
City are currently on a pre-season tour in the Far East and face Arsenal<\/a> in the Community Shield next Sunday, but Rodri is yet to link up with his team-mates. <\/p>\n Once he does return, does he sign the deal that is on offer from City, see out the final months of his contract and become a free agent next summer or take up the prospect of a return to his homeland?<\/p>\n City sources have previously told BBC Sport they are “counting on” the player for next season, while a significant fee would need to be offered to even consider a sale.<\/p>\n A move to Barca would allow Rodri to join the title winners for the past two seasons and unite with national team-mates Ferran Torres, Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsi and Pedri.<\/p>\n However, he could also enjoy a quick reunion with ex-City team-mate Bernardo Silva, who joined Real – now managed by the returning Jose Mourinho – on a free transfer this summer.<\/p>\n Rodri might not receive a universally positive reception if he joins Barca.<\/p>\n He played for Atletico Madrid in the past and having previously said<\/a> “you can’t turn down the best clubs in the world” with regards to Real, the reception at the Nou Camp could be interesting if he ended up there instead.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n