Real Madrid pursuing Rodri
Real Madrid is reportedly working on a deal to sign midfielder Rodri from Manchester City. While club-to-club talks have not yet commenced, Madrid is confident an agreement can be reached. The Spanish club is proceeding with the expectation that Rodri will join them this summer.
Rodri, who is 30 years old, has entered the final year of his contract with City, which is set to expire in 2027. Despite this, Manchester City remains in discussions with the midfielder regarding his future and hopes he will be part of Enzo Maresca’s squad for the 2026-27 season.
Sources within Madrid had previously indicated that Rodri was not part of their plans for the summer. However, the club’s position has reportedly shifted following his return from the World Cup. His performance level and his role in Spain’s triumph at the tournament are cited as factors influencing Madrid’s decision to pursue him.
Rodri’s recent career and aspirations
The Spain international’s potential departure would follow a period of significant changes at Manchester City this summer. Pep Guardiola concluded his decade in Manchester and was succeeded by Maresca. Additionally, John Stones and Bernardo Silva have left the club after their contracts expired, with Silva moving to Madrid.
Reports from July 21 suggested that discussions concerning Rodri’s future at City were anticipated to occur after the World Cup. At the tournament, Rodri won the Golden Ball. However, he had reportedly shown little inclination to extend his current terms with Manchester City.
Rodri captained his side and started in all eight matches at the World Cup. This followed Spain’s victory in the European Championship in 2024, marking back-to-back major tournament wins for Luis de la Fuente’s side.
The midfielder is scheduled to undergo surgery, though the specific nature of the issue and his return date remain unconfirmed. Rodri has previously expressed a desire to return to his home country during his playing career and the appeal of playing for Real Madrid.
He told reporters in Spain during an international break in March, “Would I like to play in Spain again, in La Liga, in Madrid? I would like to return, yes, obviously.” He also stated that his previous time with Atletico would not prevent him from playing for Real Madrid, noting that other players have made similar moves. He added, “You can’t turn down one of the world’s best clubs.”
Rodri returned to action for City in May 2025 after an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury sidelined him for much of the 2024-25 campaign. During the 2025-26 season, he featured in all competitions, despite two periods out with hamstring and groin issues.
Manchester City has strengthened its midfield this summer with the signing of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for a bid. Reports from July 14 also indicated that City was pursuing Morocco international Ayyoub Bouaddi, from Lille, who performed well at the World Cup.
When asked about Rodri during his first press conference as City manager, Maresca commented on the speculation surrounding big players. He stated, “I’m not worried about that. I think it’s normal. Also because they won the the World Cup, he was the best player or one of the best players. Every manager wants to have Rodri because he’s a top player.” Maresca also mentioned Rodri’s upcoming surgery and the need for rest and recovery.
The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner joined City from Atletico in 2019. During his seven years at the club, he has won four Premier League titles, the FA Cup twice, the League Cup on three occasions, and the Champions League in 2023, where he scored the winning goal in the final. He has made 298 appearances for City, contributing 28 goals and 32 assists.
Implications for both clubs
According to Mario Cortegana, a correspondent for Real Madrid, Rodri’s arrival would likely be exciting news for Madrid fans this summer. Despite initial reluctance from president Florentino Perez and general manager Jose Angel Sanchez, the club’s key figures have had a change of heart, a move that supporters had been advocating for.
Both the club and its fanbase now view this as an ideal move to acquire a world-class player who recently won the World Cup as Spain’s star player and has long desired to take this step in his career. However, the signing carries some risk, as the club typically hesitates to invest heavily in players nearing the age of 30. Rodri also sustained a serious knee injury in 2024, which was followed by muscle injuries.
His strong performance at the World Cup has reportedly alleviated many concerns about his physical condition, shifting focus to his potential contributions to the team. While not an explicit request from coach Jose Mourinho, Rodri would strengthen an area where the Portuguese head coach had sought additional signings. His balance and touch are expected to boost the team.
Furthermore, Rodri’s experience, leadership, and work ethic could be valuable in the dressing room, where the atmosphere has been a concern over the past two seasons.
Sam Lee, a Manchester City correspondent, suggests that this news is a difficult development for City fans. He notes that City had been attempting to secure a new contract for Rodri for over a year to avoid his current deal running out next summer. The fact that he had not signed an extension indicates that a move has been on his mind for some time, a possibility City was aware of, though they hoped to avoid it.
Those close to Rodri reportedly know that playing for Madrid has long been an ambition, despite his previous time with Atletico. The surprising aspect of this potential move is that Madrid itself had been unwilling to sign him until recently. Various sources at the club indicated that key decision-makers, including Perez and Mourinho, were not considering his signing, but Rodri’s role in Spain’s World Cup victory has evidently changed their perspective.
For City, Rodri’s departure would create a significant challenge in midfield and across the team. The team has consistently performed better with Rodri in the lineup, even since his return from a knee injury when he was not yet at his peak level. Although City found strong form in late 2025 despite his absence, with Nico Gonzalez emerging, they will need to find similar solutions moving forward.
City fans may be divided on the move, with some wishing him well despite disappointment, acknowledging his right to move on. Others may express anger, particularly due to Madrid’s reaction to his 2024 Ballon d’Or victory over Vinicius Junior. These discussions are expected to continue, but City has already begun working on solutions without Rodri.
Real Madrid is confident they will sign Rodri from Manchester City, according to reports.
Source: nytimes.com
