Shaun Wright-Phillips expressed hope that Rodri will remain with Manchester City for another season, while acknowledging the midfielder’s understandable inclination to return to Spain. Rodri, who captained Spain to victory at the recent World Cup and was named player of the tournament, has attracted interest from both Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Wright-Phillips, a former City player, noted the natural appeal of a move back to his homeland. “You’ve got to expect teams like that will want possibly the best holding midfielder in the world,” he said. “He is Spanish, his teammates are there and it’s Barcelona! There’s so much that would appeal. You can understand his position; he came to City seven years ago and he’s been an amazing servant.”

Manchester City recently made a club-record £116 million signing in Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest. Additionally, former City manager Pep Guardiola has referred to Barcelona’s Nico Gonzalez as a “mini Rodri,” suggesting he might be capable of fulfilling a similar role.

However, Wright-Phillips cautioned that Rodri’s departure would mark a significant change. “I don’t think we have another player quite like him. So I’m hoping he stays because, as a City fan, I love watching him. Anderson could fill the role, but it will take time. If Rodri goes, the tactics are going to be different.”

As the transfer window progresses, City will weigh the options of keeping a key midfielder who has been pivotal to their recent successes against the potential benefits of integrating new talent into the squad.