Real Madrid have opened direct discussions with Manchester City over a potential transfer for midfielder Rodri, according to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano. The Spanish club’s president Florentino Perez has personally approved the approach after previously holding back from making contact. Initial talks are verbal and at an early stage.
Madrid are prepared to offer in excess of €50 million as an opening bid. Whether City would accept that figure is another matter entirely.
Rodri’s Value Has Only Grown After the World Cup
Rodri cemented his standing as the world’s best holding midfielder at the 2026 North America World Cup, where Spain won the tournament — their first title since 2010. As captain, he started all eight matches and completed 650 successful passes at a 93% accuracy rate, surpassing the previous record set by Xavi at the 2010 tournament. He was awarded the tournament’s Golden Ball.
That performance added to a remarkable personal record. Rodri has now won the World Cup, the European Championship, the UEFA Champions League, and the Ballon d’Or — placing him alongside only a handful of players in football history to have achieved all four. His World Cup Golden Ball also puts him in rare company.
City Have No Incentive to Sell
Manchester City are not under pressure to move Rodri on. He is described as a dressing-room leader and central to the plans of manager Enzo Maresca heading into the new campaign. City have already tabled a contract extension, though Rodri has not yet responded to the offer, according to Matteo Moretto of Marca.
His current deal runs until the summer of 2027. That gives City leverage — and Madrid a narrow window before Rodri could theoretically enter the final year of his contract.
Perez Approval Clears the Way
Earlier in the summer, Romano had reported that Perez’s reluctance was the primary obstacle to any move. That position has now shifted. Real Madrid, who are managed by Jose Mourinho, view Rodri as a priority addition capable of bringing experience and greater control to their midfield. A Real Madrid official also met with Rodri’s agent at a restaurant in Madrid in late July, per German outlet Sky Sports, as reported by Chosun.
Romano has previously noted that Rodri is keen to return to Spain and play for Real Madrid, though his age of 30 means any decision carries significant financial weight.
What Happens Next
Any deal will require a substantially higher fee than Madrid’s opening position, given Rodri’s profile and City’s reluctance to lose him. The coming days will determine whether Madrid are willing to significantly increase their offer, or whether City close the door on negotiations altogether.
