Real Madrid presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme has highlighted Manchester City midfielder Rodri as the type of player who belongs at the Santiago Bernabeu, as speculation grows over a possible move and the club also prepares for presidential elections and major decisions over the head coach position this summer.
Riquelme, who is 37, is contesting the Real Madrid presidency, with members voting on June 7. The role is currently held by Florentino Perez, whose second spell started in 2009 after an earlier presidency beginning in 2000, and the election outcome could shape Real Madrid’s transfer and coaching strategy for several years.
Amid rumours from Spain and England, Rodri is linked with Real Madrid as City consider a rebuild following departures.
Pep Guardiola, Bernardo Silva and John Stones all left Manchester City last Sunday, ending long spells at the club, and reports in Europe suggest Rodri could be the next major name to depart the Premier League champions.
Riquelme did not directly confirm Rodri as a target but made clear admiration for the midfielder when speaking to ESPN. "I love that player, he's a fantastic player and the profile of player Real Madrid should have and who should be playing for the club," Riquelme told ESPN. "But obviously he's at another club, and we have to respect that. He is the type of player who should be playing for Real Madrid. But we'll talk about that from Saturday onwards. "
Rodri joined Manchester City from Atletico Madrid in 2019 and became central to Guardiola’s structure. The midfielder collected 13 major trophies with City, including four Premier League titles, and scored the winning goal in the club’s first Champions League success three years ago, a moment that underlined Rodri’s influence during the period.
Rodri’s performances helped Spain win the European Championships, leading to the 2024 Ballon d'Or. An anterior cruciate ligament injury two years ago, though, affected consistency afterwards. In the 2025-26 season, Rodri still made 37 appearances across competitions and started 27 matches, while remaining among Manchester City’s most reliable passers in midfield.
| Player | Club | Season | Appearances (all comps) | Starts | Passes completed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rodri | Manchester City | 2025-26 | 37 | 27 | 2,394 |
| Bernardo Silva | Manchester City | 2025-26 | - | - | 2,757 |
| Mathues Nunes | Manchester City | 2025-26 | - | - | 2,848 |
Real Madrid election, transfers and coaching plans
Despite the injury setback, Rodri’s passing numbers remained high last season, with only Bernardo Silva and Mathues Nunes completing more passes for Manchester City than Rodri’s 2,394. That sustained influence explains why Real Madrid are monitoring the situation as part of a broader summer strategy that also includes potential headline signings if Riquelme wins power.
Riquelme has said he already holds informal agreements with two international players ahead of the vote, one of whom is expected to feature for Spain at the World Cup. Asked whether these signings could mirror high-profile deals from Real Madrid’s past, Riquelme stopped short of naming anyone but stressed their impact on supporters and the squad.
"Some of the players I have agreements with are deal-breakers, without a doubt. People should pay attention because they are going to please and excite the fans. " Riquelme’s comments recall Perez’s 2000 campaign, when Perez promised to sign Luis Figo from Barcelona and completed the move with a then world-record transfer fee.
Real Madrid coaching search and Rodri discussion
The coming off-season is also important for Real Madrid off the pitch, as the club searches for a new head coach. Alvaro Arbeloa left the role at the end of last season, and Jose Mourinho, who previously worked under Perez between 2010 and 2013, has been linked with a possible return if Perez remains president.
Riquelme, however, suggested that his own project includes a different managerial option and that preparations are advanced. "We have a coach signed. Let's not talk about nationality, let's talk about experience. We're not going to experiment. We will bring in a proven coach and technical staff, who have never coached Real Madrid before, and I'm sure Real Madrid will be very excited to have them here. "
Whether Riquelme succeeds or Perez continues, Real Madrid appear set for an active summer, with the next president expected to decide on a new coach and possible marquee transfers. Rodri’s situation at Manchester City, combined with his record of trophies and passing quality, ensures continued attention from Madrid as the election and transfer window approach.
