---
title: "TalkSPORT pundit makes Rodri claim in Man City title debate"
canonical: "https://readmancity.com/2026/08/05/talksport-rodri-man-city-premier-league-title-race/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Gary Gowers"
section: "Articles"
published: "2026-08-05T16:59:10Z"
modified: "2026-08-05T16:59:11Z"
---

# TalkSPORT pundit makes Rodri claim in Man City title debate

**City’s hopes of reclaiming the Premier League title could depend on one key factor, if you listen to [Adam Catterall of talkSPORT](https://x.com/AdamCatterall?lang=en): keeping Rodri fit and at the Etihad.**

Speaking on talkSPORT, Catterall backed [City](https://readmancity.com/) to challenge Arsenal for the title but suggested the outcome could look very different if the Spanish midfielder was to leave this summer.

“Man City will win the league,” he said, before adding that losing [Rodri](https://readmancity.com/tag/rodri/) would change the picture entirely.

The midfielder has been linked with a possible move away from Manchester this summer, although City remain determined to keep one of their most influential players.

> 🏆 "Man City will win the league!"\
> \
> ❌ "But if they lose Rodri to Real Madrid, they will not win the league!"[@AdamCatterall](https://x.com/AdamCatterall?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) believes [#MCFC](https://x.com/hashtag/MCFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) can beat [#AFC](https://x.com/hashtag/AFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) to the title if they keep Rodri this summer! 👀 [pic.twitter.com/Ux1jLB1poY](https://t.co/Ux1jLB1poY)
>
> — talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) [August 5, 2026](https://x.com/talkSPORT/status/2084943982711218352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

## Rodri remains central to City’s plans

Rodri’s importance to City has been clear since his arrival from Atlético Madrid, with the midfielder becoming a key figure in Pep Guardiola’s successful side and continuing to be regarded as one of the best players in the world in his position.

After missing a large part of last season through injury, his return to full fitness is one of the major positives for City ahead of the new campaign.

Under new head coach Enzo Maresca, City’s challenge will be to compete with [Arsenal](https://readmancity.com/tag/arsenal/) and the rest of the Premier League’s leading clubs while adapting to a new era.

Catterall’s comments are unlikely to settle the debate around the title race, but they highlight a view shared by many City supporters: keeping Rodri available could be one of the most important parts of their season.