The pursuit is officially on. Real Madrid have reportedly approached Manchester City for the first time to discuss a potential deal for Rodri this summer, with transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirming the move. Verbal discussions between the two clubs are now ongoing, with Los Blancos indicating that they are prepared to pay over €50 million for his services.
This is a major development — and a significant U-turn from a club that had, until recently, shown little public intent to pursue the Spanish midfielder.
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The U-Turn — How Rodri Became a Priority
After being initially ruled out, Rodri became a target for Real Madrid due to his excellent performances during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Rodri enhanced his reputation at the tournament, breaking passing records on the way to winning the Golden Ball, as Spain triumphed in North America.
One area the club’s transfer business had yet to address was central midfield, with the club understood to be seeking a deep-lying controller — a profile largely missing at the Bernabéu since Toni Kroos’s 2024 exit.
Reports suggest José Mourinho has identified the Spain World Cup winner as his top midfield target, ahead of several other options considered during the transfer window. Real Madrid’s sporting department reportedly submitted a favourable scouting report, convincing club president Florentino Pérez to approve a move that could become one of the cornerstone signings of the club’s ongoing rebuild.
The State of Negotiations — Valuation Gap to Bridge
The opening of talks has been confirmed, but a financial gap between the two clubs still needs to be resolved.
Real Madrid have decided to go after Rodri Hernández, but Manchester City want at least €80 million to let the Spanish midfielder go. On the other hand, Los Blancos have capped their offer for the 2026 World Cup Golden Ball winner at €60 million, meaning the two clubs will have to negotiate.
According to reports surrounding the deal, City would be willing to consider offers in the region of $57 million to $68 million, a figure Real Madrid are evaluating as the final major investment of an ambitious summer transfer window.
Negotiations have now started with verbal discussions between the two clubs, and Bernabéu president Florentino Pérez has given his own approval to a deal after holding back from the idea for months.
The Player’s Own Stance — He Wants to Leave
Critically, the player himself is pushing for the move. Manchester City are still hoping to keep Rodri past this summer but the Spanish midfielder wants to leave the club for both football and family reasons.
With Rodri entering the final 12 months of his existing Manchester City contract and not showing any sign of wanting to commit to a new agreement, a deal appears more of a possibility than ever before. City have kept a lucrative new deal on the table for the player throughout the summer, with a willingness to make him one of the leading earners within the first-team squad.
The Spanish midfielder wants to join Real Madrid and reaching an agreement with him will only be a matter of time.
City’s Position — No Power to Refuse
Manchester City are not in a strong position when it comes to Rodri’s future given that the midfielder’s contract is due to expire at the end of next season. Although Rodri remains one of Manchester City’s most influential players, the Premier League club are reportedly unwilling to stand in his way if his ambition is to join Real Madrid.
With Pep Guardiola also having brought an end to his time at Manchester City this summer, the Spain captain may well feel the time is right to move on.
Los Blancos could ultimately have some leverage given that Rodri is set to become a free agent in the summer of 2027. In that context, and with the player also keen on leaving, Real Madrid could reach an agreement with City rather quickly, assuming that Los Blancos are willing to spend around €50 million on the Spanish player.
Transfer Snapshot
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Player | Rodri (Rodrigo Hernández Cascante) |
| Current Club | Manchester City |
| Interested Club | Real Madrid |
| Nationality | Spanish |
| Age | 30 |
| Position | Defensive Midfielder |
| Current Contract Expiry | Summer 2027 |
| Real Madrid’s Reported Opening Bid | Over €50 million |
| Real Madrid’s Reported Cap | ~€60 million |
| Manchester City’s Reported Asking Price | ~€80 million |
| Reported Agreement Range | $57m – $68m |
| 2026 World Cup Award | Golden Ball Winner |
Why Rodri Fits the Bernabéu
His ability to dictate the tempo, win back possession, provide leadership, and bring balance between defence and attack makes him a perfect fit for a team determined to re-establish its dominance in both Spain and Europe.
Rodri has emerged as one of Real Madrid’s top transfer priorities following his impressive performances for Spain, including his role in the nation’s World Cup-winning campaign. The club reportedly views the midfielder as the ideal addition to strengthen their midfield, praising his ability to dictate the tempo of matches and provide stability in possession.
Having already strengthened several areas of the squad, the arrival of Rodri is viewed as the final and most important piece of Mourinho’s new-look team.
What Comes Next
Real Madrid have leverage considering that Rodri’s contract is set to expire in the summer of 2027, but the clubs will have to reach some sort of agreement during the next few weeks if Rodri wants to be a Madridista next season.
The 30-year-old has undergone surgery on a minor back complaint following Spain’s World Cup success, but he is expected to be back in training before Manchester City’s clash with Arsenal in the Community Shield on August 16. Whether Rodri is still with Man City at that point remains to be seen, as the Merengues push to bring him to the Bernabéu this summer.
Read More: Vinicius Junior Is Staying at Real Madrid – Los Blancos Confident New Contract Will Be Agreed
FAQs
Have Real Madrid officially approached Manchester City for Rodri?
Yes. According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Real Madrid have approached Manchester City over the possibility of a transfer for defensive midfielder Rodri for the first time. Verbal discussions between the clubs are already underway.
How much are Real Madrid willing to spend on Rodri?
Fabrizio Romano indicates that Real Madrid are willing to spend over €50 million to secure this signing, with the club’s reported internal cap sitting at around €60 million, while Manchester City are holding out for closer to €80 million.
How long does Rodri have left on his Manchester City contract?
Rodri remains under contract with Manchester City until 2027, meaning any transfer would require negotiations with the English club. His contract situation significantly strengthens Real Madrid’s hand in talks.
Does Rodri want to join Real Madrid?
Rodri is determined to leave Manchester City and, according to multiple reports, the Spanish midfielder is keen on making the switch to the Bernabéu. Real Madrid are believed to hope that Rodri’s potential desire to return to Spain could play a key role in the discussions.
What impact would Rodri’s arrival have on Real Madrid’s squad?
Rodri’s arrival at Real Madrid would likely lead to a first-team midfielder leaving the Bernabéu this summer, with Aurélien Tchouaméni and Eduardo Camavinga both of interest to Manchester United. His arrival would fill a critical void in the Galacticos’ midfield left since Toni Kroos’s departure in 2024.
