Rodri Could Leave City for £60m — and Spain Head to the World Cup With Their Captain Up for Grabs
City at the heart of the market: Rodri targeted by Barça and Real Madrid for £60m, while Trafford joins Leeds in a record-breaking deal ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Manchester City sit at the centre of two of the hottest deals in the market right now — and both carry the scent of the World Cup.
First, goalkeeper James Trafford left the Etihad for Leeds United in a deal that could reach £45 million, according to BBC Sport. The fee eclipses the £30 million Everton paid for Jordan Pickford in 2017, making Trafford the most expensive goalkeeper in British football history. Only Kepa Arrizabalaga (£68m) and Alisson (£62m) have cost more anywhere in the world. At 23, the Englishman was in the England squad this summer but never made it onto the pitch. Gianluigi Donnarumma's arrival at City in September shut one door — and Leeds opened another.
Then came the bombshell: Barcelona have entered the race for Rodri. According to Sky Sports News, the Catalan club are ready to approach City and believe they can pip Real Madrid to the Spain captain's signature. Talks between Rodri and Real Madrid stalled after weeks of negotiations, and Barça want to exploit the opening. City, for their part, are said to be willing to let the midfielder go for around £60 million, even as they continue to hope he will sign a new contract.
For the World Cup, the implications are immediate. Golmetria's model gives Spain a 75% chance of lifting the trophy — the highest of any nation. Rodri is the engine of that team. Where he plays in 2026, and in what form, could determine whether Spain arrive at the tournament at their very best.
England, given a 6.76% chance by the model, face a trickier road — but Trafford establishing himself at Leeds could spark a genuine battle for the number-one shirt.
Two transfers, two destinations, one World Cup on the horizon. The market has already started shaping what we will see in 2026.