Real Madrid’s pursuit of Rodri
Real Madrid’s pursuit of Rodri
Real Madrid is reportedly working on a deal to sign midfielder Rodri from Manchester City. While club-to-club discussions have not yet commenced, Real 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 Manchester City, which is set to conclude in 2027. Despite this, Manchester City remains in communication with the midfielder regarding his future and are hopeful that he will be part of Enzo Maresca’s squad for the 2026-27 season.
Initially, sources within Real Madrid had indicated that Rodri was not part of their plans for the summer. However, the club’s position shifted following his return from the World Cup. His performance level and his significant role in Spain’s victory in the tournament influenced Real Madrid’s decision to pursue him.
Rodri’s recent career and future
Rodri would be among several departures from Manchester City this summer. Pep Guardiola concluded his decade in Manchester, with Maresca taking over. Additionally, John Stones and Bernardo Silva have left after their contracts expired, with Silva moving to Real Madrid.
Reports from July 21 indicated that discussions about Rodri’s future at Manchester City were anticipated after the World Cup, where he received the Golden Ball as Spain defeated Argentina in the final. However, he has reportedly shown little inclination to extend his current terms.
The midfielder started and captained his team in all eight matches at the World Cup, where Luis de la Fuente’s side secured consecutive major tournament victories, following their triumph in the European Championship in 2024.
Rodri is now scheduled to undergo surgery for a back issue, with his return date yet to be confirmed. He has previously expressed a desire to return to his home country and play in La Liga for Real Madrid during his career.
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. Having played for Atletico before would not prevent me from playing for Real Madrid … there are other players who have done that before. Maybe not direct transfers, but eventually. You can’t turn down one of the world’s best clubs.”
Rodri returned to action for Manchester City in May 2025 after an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. He featured in matches across all competitions during the 2025-26 season, interspersed with two periods sidelined by hamstring and groin issues.
Manchester City has reinforced its midfield this summer with the signing of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for £116 million. Reports from July 14 also indicated that Manchester City was pursuing the signing of Morocco international Ayyoub Bouaddi, 18, from Lille, who performed well at the World Cup.
During his initial press conference for Manchester City, Maresca addressed the speculation surrounding Rodri, stating, “Around big players there is always speculation. I’m not worried about that. I think it’s normal. Also because they won 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. 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.
Implications for both clubs
For Real Madrid, the potential arrival of Rodri is seen as significant news for fans. Despite initial reluctance from president Florentino Perez and general manager Jose Angel Sanchez to sign him in recent months, this change in stance aligns with what supporters had been advocating for.
Both the club and its fanbase now view this as an opportune move to acquire a world-class player in his position, who recently won the World Cup as Spain’s star player and has long expressed a desire to join Real Madrid to cap off his career.
However, the signing also carries some risk. Real Madrid typically avoids significant investments in players nearing 30 years of age. Rodri sustained a serious knee injury in 2024, which was subsequently followed by muscle injuries. His 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 Jose Mourinho, Rodri’s addition would strengthen an area where the Portuguese head coach had sought another signing. His balance and composure are expected to enhance the team. Furthermore, his experience, leadership, and work ethic could be valuable in the dressing room, where the atmosphere has been a concern over the past two seasons.
For Manchester City, this development presents a significant challenge. The club had been attempting to secure a new contract for Rodri for over a year, aiming to avoid reaching the final year of his current deal. His reluctance to sign an extension suggested a move had been on his mind, and Manchester City was aware of this possibility, though they hoped to prevent it.
Those close to Rodri indicate that playing for Real Madrid has long been an aspiration, despite his previous tenure with Atletico. The surprise aspect of this potential transfer is that Real Madrid had not been keen on signing him until recently. Key decision-makers, including president Perez and coach Mourinho, were reportedly not considering him, but his role in Spain’s World Cup victory appears to have altered their perspective.
His potential departure would leave a considerable void in Manchester City’s midfield. 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. Although Manchester City found strong form in late 2025 despite his absence, with Nico Gonzalez emerging, the club will need to find further solutions. Work has already begun to address the potential absence of Rodri.
The news has created a division among Manchester City fans. Some express understanding and wish him well, acknowledging his right to move, while others are reportedly angered by the potential transfer, particularly in light of Real Madrid’s reaction to his 2024 Ballon d’Or victory over Vinicius Junior. These discussions are expected to continue as Manchester City seeks solutions without Rodri.
Source: nytimes.com
