Manchester City’s preparations for the new Premier League season have been dealt a devastating blow. The club’s star midfielder, Rodri, has suffered an injury setback and is now expected to be sidelined until after the September international break.
This news, reported by Simon Bajkowski, means the Spanish international will officially miss the start of the 2025-26 campaign, including several key opening fixtures for the reigning champions. Rodri is arguably City’s most important player, and his absence was keenly felt last season when a similar injury derailed the team’s domestic form.
The timing of this injury is particularly significant as it comes amid a major transfer battle for his future. Just this week, it was widely reported that Manchester City were preparing a massive new contract offer for Rodri in a decisive move to fend off intense and long-standing interest from Real Madrid.
The Spanish giants, led by new manager Xabi Alonso, had identified the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner as their “dream signing” and were reportedly preparing a colossal bid to test Manchester City’s resolve.
This injury setback is now likely to pause any immediate transfer activity surrounding the player. It is highly unlikely that Real Madrid would proceed with a nine-figure bid for a player who is currently on the sidelines. For Manchester City, the focus will now shift entirely from contract negotiations to ensuring their key player has a full and safe recovery.
This is the worst possible news for Pep Guardiola and Manchester City just over a week before the new season begins. They will now have to navigate a difficult opening period of their title defence without their midfield anchor, while the long-term transfer saga with Real Madrid has been thrown into a new state of uncertainty.