Rodri is once again being linked to a transfer—and FC Bayern has also been mentioned in the speculation. But while there apparently was no contact whatsoever between the Munich club and the World Player of the Year this summer, the interest was much more concrete seven years ago. In 2019, the record champions were indeed working on signing the Spaniard.
Rodri’s future is currently a hot topic of conversation. After many successful years at Manchester City, it appears the star midfielder may be on his way out. For a long time, Real Madrid was considered the most likely destination, but recently FC Barcelona has taken center stage.
FC Bayern was also mentioned at one point as a potential suitor. According to information from BILD soccer editor Christian Falk, however, there is no truth to these reports. The Munich club has reportedly neither contacted the player nor conducted transfer negotiations this summer.
In any case, a signing would be difficult to imagine given Manchester City’s reported transfer fee demand. The Sky Blues are said to be asking for around 75 million euros for the 30-year-old. At the same time, the German record champions currently consider themselves sufficiently staffed in central midfield.
Bayern held secret talks with Rodri in 2019
That’s why a look back at the past is much more intriguing. After all, Rodri could have ended up at FC Bayern as early as seven years ago.
As Falk reports, club officials were closely monitoring the then-Atlético player in 2019. According to the report, secret talks even took place with the Spanish club regarding a potential transfer.
The problem: Bayern had already initiated another costly transfer at that point. The Munich club paid Atlético around 80 million euros for Lucas Hernández, setting a new club transfer record in the process.
Apparently, there was subsequently no financial leeway left for an additional Rodri transfer. Manchester City seized the opportunity and signed the midfielder for around 70 million euros.
From today’s perspective, this was a decision with enormous implications.
Rodri went on to become a global star
Under Pep Guardiola, Rodri developed into one of the best midfielders of his generation in Manchester. The Spaniard became the linchpin of the Citizens and, among other achievements, won the Champions League with the top English club.
The midfield maestro reached his personal peak in 2024 when he was awarded the Ballon d’Or. At the 2026 World Cup, Rodri ultimately led Spain to the title and was also named the tournament’s best player.
For Bayern, this leaves them with the realization that they had recognized the Spaniard’s extraordinary potential very early on. At the time, the transfer apparently fell through less because of a lack of confidence in his athletic ability than due to financial constraints.
Seven years later, it appears highly unlikely that a partnership will materialize. According to Falk, a current bid from Bayern is not on the table. Should Rodri indeed leave Manchester City, his path currently leads back to Spain.