Real Madrid says no to Rodri.

Rodrigo Hernandez, 29, currently has a contract with Manchester City until June 30, 2027.

Rumors about Rodri potentially joining Real Madrid have resurfaced ahead of the Spanish giants' clash with Manchester City in the Champions League round of 16. However, just like last summer, Real Madrid's management has confirmed that the Spanish midfielder is not part of the club's transfer plans.

Rodrigo Hernandez, 29, currently has a contract with Manchester City until June 30, 2027. His future now largely depends on the extension offer the English club has made.

In this context, many Manchester City players are also considering their future based on manager Pep Guardiola's decision. Whether the Spanish strategist continues to lead the team is believed to be a factor influencing the long-term plans of many key players. Bernardo Silva is one of the latest players to admit that his future is still uncertain.

Rodri returns to the Santiago Bernabeu this time in a completely different capacity. This is his first appearance there as the winner of the 2024 Ballon d'Or. Previously, injury prevented the Spanish midfielder from playing at the Bernabeu in the period following his win of the most prestigious individual award.

Rodri has won the Ballon d'Or before.

Rodri's return comes at a time when Real Madrid and Manchester City are once again clashing in the Champions League. Over the past ten years, the two teams have met seven times in the knockout rounds, becoming one of the most familiar pairings in European football.

Rodri's consistent form and increasingly important role at Manchester City have led to continued rumors linking him to Real Madrid. However, at the Bernabeu, the club's management continues to deny any intention of signing the midfielder.

Some within the club have suggested that the Spanish midfielder could bring significant value to Real Madrid's midfield. However, those discussions never progressed beyond a professional assessment. Rodri's past injuries also made a transfer unlikely.

This season, Rodri has played 24 games for Manchester City in all competitions, including the last 11 in the Premier League.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid are still looking for ways to strengthen their midfield. Names like Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace, Kees Smit of AZ Alkmaar, and Vitinha of PSG are frequently mentioned on their watchlist.

These options are still being analyzed by Real Madrid's leadership. The Royal team believes they have enough time to assess the market and choose the target that best suits their professional needs as well as the club's long-term strategy.