How Guardiola's Man City exit could help Mourinho at Real Madrid

Pep Guardiola's potential departure from Manchester City at the end of the season could reopen the door for a long-held Real Madrid dream: the signing of Rodrigo Hernández. According to Marca, the player is "crazy" about a move to the Champions League kings. The 29-year-old Spanish midfielder is seen in Valdebebas as the ideal solution for the midfield, especially following Toni Kroos's retirement, and could soon join José Mourinho—who is set to leave Benfica—in Madrid.

For years, Rodri's stay in England has been directly linked to his manager. The relationship between the two, built on mutual admiration and a similar footballing vision, made his exit from City seem virtually impossible. Under Guardiola's guidance, Rodri became the team's centerpiece, evolving into one of the world's best midfielders, even winning the Ballon d'Or in 2024, and taking complete control of the Citizens' play.

However, the impending departure of his great mentor has changed the landscape. Real Madrid believes that, under the right circumstances, the operation could become viable. The club has long admired the player's profile: leadership, tactical intelligence, and ability to control the game. In turn, Rodri has always looked favorably on a return to Spain (having previously played for rivals Atlético Madrid), and the idea of wearing the famous white shirt appeals to him.

Despite the mutual interest, the transfer will not be straightforward. Both Rodri and Guardiola are under contract with Manchester City until 2027, plus one more year, and the English club will not make it easy for one of its most influential players to leave. However, the Spanish international's desire could be a decisive factor in unlocking negotiations.

Real Madrid's interest in Rodri is not new, dating back to his time at Atlético Madrid. Back then, the Rojiblancos' refusal to sell and his subsequent move to City under Guardiola put an end to that possibility. Now, with the need to rebuild the midfield after the end of the Kroos, Modrić, and Casemiro era, Rodri's name has re-emerged stronger than ever.

Signing the midfielder would be more than just a simple reinforcement. Standing at over 1.90 meters, Rodri combines physical power with exceptional technique and tactical intelligence. His ability to defend, organize, dictate the tempo, and recover possession through positioning is precisely what Real Madrid is looking for to address the lack of balance and fluidity that has affected the team.

For now, the player remains calm, with his priority focused on finishing the Premier League season and preparing for the World Cup with the Spanish national team. Nevertheless, the rumors are intensifying, and at the Santiago Bernabéu, hopes of securing the Madrid-born midfielder have been rekindled.