Why Rodri's price tag could skyrocket as Man City exit edges closer

Enzo Maresca looks increasingly likely to lose star midfielder Rodri during his first summer as Manchester City manager.

The Spanish international, now a World Cup winner, is contracted until the summer of 2027, but all signs point towards an early exit.

Jose Mourinho is understood to be a huge admirer of the 30-year-old, with Real Madrid reportedly planning ahead as if Rodri joining is a certainty.

However, talks over a deal have quietened significantly in recent days, sparking confidence at the Etihad Stadium that he could stay.

With Elliot Anderson signed from Nottingham Forest, the blow of another experienced departure would be softened, but there is no telling how losing the Ballon d'Or could impact the squad.

A move to the Bernabeu might be about to become a lot more complicated, though, as it would appear that a battle for his signature is emerging.

Rodri's Man City exit just became more complicated

According to Fabrizio Romano, 29-time La Liga winners, and Real Madrid's biggest rivals, Barcelona are set to join the race for Rodri this summer.

It is understood that this is why a deal with Los Blancos has not yet been completed, despite the Bernabeu being the player's favoured destination.

If Man City are smart, and they have proven to be with their incredible player trading over the years, they will be able to use this to drive up the price.

Neither Barcelona nor Real Madrid will want to be embarrassed by the other, which could spark some ugly tactics from the Spanish giants.

Of course, very few at the Etihad want to see Rodri leave, but if they can get more than the expected €75million (£64m), that would be a huge plus.

Rodri isn't the only exit-bound star

While all the news appears to be about Rodri, he won't be the only player leaving Maresca's squad before the transfer window slams shut.

While Mateo Kovacic has announced that he'll be staying, James Trafford's move to Leeds United is imminent, and Jack Grealish is expected to leave.

Omar Marmoush and Tijjani Reijnders could both depart, but all of these exits would leave Maresca's squad quite bare ahead of 2026-27.

In some ways, City can't afford to let Rodri leave, but if he's not willing to sign a new contract, which expires next summer, the club are left with no choice.