Rodri is not a man who likes to be rushed, and fair play to him for that. The Manchester City midfielder has told reporters that he will wait until after the World Cup before sitting down to discuss what comes next for him, with Real Madrid apparently very much interested in making him their next big signing.
Now, when a player of Rodri's calibre starts using phrases like "wait until the World Cup is over" rather than "I'm going nowhere" or "I love it here," most football fans know exactly what that usually means. It is the classic non-denial denial. He has not said he is leaving, but he has not said he is staying either, and that ambiguity alone is enough to make City supporters a little uncomfortable.
And honestly, who could blame Real Madrid for wanting him? Rodri is arguably the best defensive midfielder in the world right now. He controls games, reads danger before it even arrives, and has the kind of football brain that coaches spend entire careers trying to develop in players. City have built their entire midfield around him since he arrived, and replacing someone like that is not just difficult, it is close to impossible.
For Pep Guardiola and City, this is a headache they really do not need. They are already navigating a complicated period both on and off the pitch, and losing their engine room to the most glamorous club in the world would be a serious blow. Real Madrid have a habit of getting who they want, and history shows that when they come calling, players tend to listen.
From a neutral perspective, and yes even from a Manchester United fan's perspective, it would be fascinating to see Rodri at the Bernabeu. He would fit their style perfectly. But City fans will be desperately hoping this is just noise and that come the start of next season, he is still pulling the strings at the Etihad.
The World Cup cannot come and go fast enough for everyone involved in this one. Let me know your thoughts.