Real Madrid pursuing Rodri
Real Madrid are reportedly working on a deal to sign midfielder Rodri from Manchester City. While club-to-club talks have not yet commenced, Real Madrid is said to be confident that an agreement can be reached. The Spanish club is reportedly operating under the assumption that Rodri will join them this summer.
Rodri, who is 30 years old, has entered the final year of his contract with Manchester 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. Initially, sources at Real Madrid had indicated that Rodri was not part of their plans this summer. However, the club’s position reportedly shifted following his return from the World Cup, with his performance level and his role in Spain’s victory influencing their decision to pursue him.
Reports from July 21 suggested that discussions concerning Rodri’s future at Manchester City were anticipated after the World Cup. During the tournament, he was awarded the Golden Ball. However, he had reportedly shown little inclination to extend his current terms. Rodri started and captained Spain in all eight matches at the World Cup, contributing to Luis de la Fuente’s side winning consecutive major tournaments, including the European Championship in 2024.
The Spain international is now scheduled to undergo surgery for a back issue, with his return date currently unconfirmed. Rodri has previously expressed a desire to return to his home country during his playing career and has spoken about the appeal of playing for Real Madrid. He stated in March during an international break, “Would I like to play in Spain again, in La Liga, in Madrid? I would like to return, yes, obviously.” He added that his previous time with Atletico would not prevent him from playing for Real Madrid, noting that other players have made similar moves, perhaps not directly, but eventually. He also mentioned, “You can’t turn down one of the world’s best clubs.”
Impact of a potential transfer
Rodri returned to action for Manchester City in May 2025 after an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury kept him out for a significant part of the 2024-25 campaign. He featured times in all competitions during the 2025-26 season, experiencing two periods sidelined with hamstring and groin issues.
Manchester City has already strengthened its midfield this summer with the signing of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for £116million. Additionally, reports from July 14 indicated that Manchester City was also working to sign Ayyoub Bouaddi, an 18-year-old Morocco international from Lille, who performed well at the World Cup.
When questioned about Rodri during his initial press conference at Manchester City, Maresca commented, “Around big players there is always speculation. 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 noted, “But now surgery on I think Monday. He needs holiday. He needs to rest. He needs to recover and then he will be back here with us.”
The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner joined Manchester 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 Manchester City, contributing 28 goals and 32 assists.
Analysis of the move
For Real Madrid, the potential arrival of Rodri would be significant news for their supporters. Despite initial reluctance from president Florentino Perez and general manager Jose Angel Sanchez to sign him in recent months, this change of heart among key figures at Real Madrid was something the fanbase had been advocating for. Both the club and its supporters now view this as an ideal move to acquire a world-class player in his position, especially after his performance as Spain’s star player at the World Cup, and given his long-standing desire to join Real Madrid to cap off his career.
However, the signing would also carry some risk. Real Madrid typically avoids investing substantial amounts in players nearing the age of 30. Rodri also sustained a serious knee injury in 2024, which was followed by muscle injuries. Nevertheless, his strong performance at the World Cup has reportedly alleviated many concerns about his physical condition, shifting the focus to his potential contributions to the team. While not an explicit request from head coach Jose Mourinho, Rodri would reinforce an area where the Portuguese coach had sought another signing. His balance and touch are expected to boost the team.
The internal culture of the dressing room is also a factor, as the atmosphere has been a concern over the past two seasons. Rodri’s experience, leadership, and work ethic could make him a key player in this regard. For Manchester City, this news is seen as a significant challenge. The club had reportedly been trying to secure a new contract for Rodri for over a year, aiming to avoid getting close to the end of his current deal, which expires next summer. His failure to sign an extension suggests that a move has been on his mind for some time, a possibility Manchester City was aware of, though they hoped to avoid it.
Those close to Rodri reportedly know that playing for Real Madrid has long been an ambition, even after his time with Atletico before joining Manchester City. The surprising aspect of this potential transfer is that Real 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. However, Rodri’s role in Spain’s World Cup victory appears to have changed this perspective.
For Manchester City, a departure would create a significant void in midfield. The team has consistently performed better with Rodri in the lineup, even when he was returning from his knee injury and not yet at his peak. The club found strong form in late 2025 despite his absence, with Nico Gonzalez emerging. Manchester City will need to find similar solutions moving forward. Among fans, there is a division of opinion, with some wishing him well despite their disappointment, while others are angered by the potential move, partly due to how Real Madrid reacted to his 2024 Ballon d’Or victory over Vinicius Junior. These discussions are expected to continue, but Manchester City is already working on solutions without Rodri.
Rodri joined Manchester City in 2019.
Source: nytimes.com
