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Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Sun 3 May 2026 14:31, UK

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Manchester City are planning a major overhaul of their midfield ahead of the transfer window, with Rodri potentially on his way out, sources have told Football Insider.

Pep Guardiola has overseen major changes to his squad over the last couple of transfer windows and is showing no signs of slowing down this year.

While speculation about the boss’ long-term future at the Etihad has continued to rumble on, he and City are still making plans for the future behind the scenes.

As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, Rodri could be the next experienced player to move on in the transfer market.

This would see another big-name star leaving the Etihad this summer, with Bernardo Silva and John Stones having confirmed their departures ahead of a busy window for City.

Could Rodri join Bernardo Silva in leaving Man City?

Football Insider revealed last month that Guardiola is reluctant to lose Rodri as he has no plans to lose too many leaders and experienced players from the dressing room.

However, there is a growing feeling he could be part of a major exodus of their long-serving stars at the Etihad amid growing interest from Real Madrid.

This comes after the midfielder publicly admitted that he would struggle to turn down a move to Los Blancos, opening the door to a potential move.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “There’s going to be a big revamp of Pep Guardiola’s midfield when the summer transfer window opens.

“Bernardo Silva is leaving and he will leave a big gap in the middle of the park for Man City.

“There’s ongoing doubts about Rodri’s long-term future there as well and whether he could make a move to Real Madrid this summer.

“So if they lose both of those experienced players, there’s no doubt they will have to be replaced, and it could make way for some of their fringe players as well.”

Which other midfielders could leave Man City this summer?

While changes are expected all over the pitch, including at centre-back ahead of Stones’ imminent exit, the midfield remains the key focus for Man City.

Silva and Rodri’s potential departures will leave significant holes in the squad which will need to be filled, but they are not the only ones who could leave.

Football Insider revealed on 3 May that Tijjani Reijnders could leave Man City, with a number of Serie A clubs keeping a close eye on his situation.

His lack of playing time this season could force the Netherlands international to seek a move away, with no shortage of interest from clubs looking to tempt him.

As a result, City have set their sights on a number of midfield targets including the likes of Elliot Anderson and Sandro Tonali to improve their options in the middle.