“They have to leave” – Pep Guardiola sends clear transfer message to Man City star

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has made it clear that he wants Rodri to stay, but that he has to leave if he’s not happy.

The Spanish tactician responded in Friday’s press conference when asked about Rodri’s recent comments about being open to joining Real Madrid.

Guardiola did not blame Rodri for not ruling out a move to Madrid, but he also suggested that he can’t stay if he’s unsettled at the Etihad Stadium.

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Watch below as Guardiola paid tribute to Rodri as an “incredible” player, but also told him in no uncertain terms to knock on the door of the club’s sporting director if he wants them to sort out his sale…

?? Pep Guardiola has sent a CLEAR message to Rodri – if you want to leave, you have to leave! ? pic.twitter.com/j9J2txlp5I

— CaughtOffside (@caughtoffside) April 3, 2026

What Fabrizio Romano has said about Rodri transfer situation

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano provided his insight into the Rodri situation, which sounds like it’s still fairly open.

The 29-year-old has been discussed as a target for Real, but City have also offered him a new contract as they’d ideally like him to stay.

“The key point here is that Rodri in this moment, then we never know in football, but in this moment has two ways to decide whether he wants to stay at Manchester City and also eventually sign a new contract if he wants, or plan for a move away from Man City,” Romano said.

“So his statements about Real Madrid were quite strong. Obviously the appreciation from Real Madrid is there. So for sure Real Madrid internally are discussing about Rodri and is an option for Real Madrid. But at the moment there is still no bid, no direct club to club talks for Rodri.

“But what’s the point? Rodri from what I understand already has a new contract proposal into his hands from Manchester City. So Man City are offering a new contract to Rodri and they are prepared to give him an important salary.”

Romano added that Rodri would now have to decide whether to stay for one more year, stay and sign a new deal, or leave for the Bernabeu.

Given how important Rodri has been to City down the years, they’ll surely want to avoid his departure this summer, with the club already struggling since Kevin De Bruyne’s exit last year, while Bernardo Silva and John Stones are set to be out of contract at the end of this campaign.

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