After Rodri led Spain to FIFA World Cup glory, it's no surprise that LaLiga giants Barcelona and Real Madrid both want to sign the Manchester City midfielder this summer.
Not only did the 30-year-old captain La Roja to victory over Lionel Messi's Argentina in the World Cup final -- adding another trophy to the UEFA European Championship that Spain won two years ago -- he claimed the Golden Ball award as the best player at the tournament.
Rodri has won 13 trophies in his seven years at City, including four Premier League titles, and he scored the winning goal in the 2022-23 UEFA Champions League final. The following year, he won the Ballon d'Or, cementing his status as one of the best midfielders in the world.
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After spending time in the youth systems at Villarreal and Atlético Madrid, Rodri made more than 120 senior appearances for those two clubs before moving to City in 2019.
Now as a national hero in his homeland and with one year remaining on his contract at City, a return to LaLiga looks likely for Rodri. But where? And could he yet remain in Manchester for one more year -- or even longer?
ESPN's correspondents in Barcelona (Sam Marsden), Madrid (Alex Kirkland and Rodra) and Manchester (Rob Dawson) give us the latest on the situation and look at what might happen next.
However, as it became increasingly apparent a deal for the Spain midfielder was doable, coach Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco grew increasingly excited about the possibility of landing him.

