Real Madrid Working on Deal to Sign Rodri from Manchester City

One of the most seismic transfer stories of the summer has taken a dramatic new twist. Real Madrid are working on a deal to sign Manchester City midfielder Rodri, with the club operating under the belief that an agreement will be reached this summer despite formal club-to-club talks not yet taking place. The pursuit of the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner marks a significant shift in Madrid’s transfer priorities, and the football world is watching closely.

Who is Rodri?

Rodri, born on 22 June 1996 in Madrid, Spain, is a Spanish professional footballer who plays for Manchester City in the English Premier League. He is regarded as one of the world’s best defensive (or holding) midfielders.

Rodri joined Atlético Madrid’s youth academy in 2007 but was released in 2013 for lacking physical strength, prompting a move to Villarreal. While playing for Villarreal’s youth and reserve sides, he studied business administration at Jaume I University in Castellón. He graduated with a degree in business administration and management from Jaume I University in Castellón de la Plana, Spain, in 2021.

He became globally famous during Manchester City’s historic 2022–23 treble season, scoring the winning goal against Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League final, which delivered the first European Cup in Manchester City’s history. He later became the first Manchester City player to win the men’s Ballon d’Or, receiving the award in 2024 after exceptional performances for club and country.

Transfer at a Glance

Career Timeline

Major Honours

Throughout his career, Rodri has won 20 titles, including the UEFA Nations League (2022/23), the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and EURO 2024 with Spain, the FA Cup, four Premier League titles, the 2022–23 Champions League, and the FIFA Club World Cup with Manchester City.

Why Madrid Changed Their Stance

Throughout the early months of the summer, sources at the Bernabéu repeatedly insisted that Rodri was not part of their recruitment strategy. However, that position changed dramatically. Madrid’s stance on Rodri shifted following his standout performance at the World Cup, where he captained Spain to the title and won the Golden Ball. Sources had previously insisted throughout the summer that Rodri was not part of Madrid’s plans, but his role in Spain’s championship run altered that thinking significantly.

Rodri’s unparalleled performance levels and his pivotal role in captaining Luis de la Fuente’s side to back-to-back major tournament trophies heavily influenced Florentino Pérez’s decision to sanction a move, starting and captaining his country across all eight matches, his exceptional tournament culminating in him lifting the prestigious Golden Ball after Spain defeated Argentina in a dramatic final.

Rodri’s Own Words on Real Madrid

Rodri has never hidden his admiration for his hometown club. “Would I like to play in Spain again, in La Liga, in Madrid? I would like to return, yes, obviously,” Rodri told reporters in March. “Having played for Atletico before would not prevent me from playing for Real Madrid… You can’t turn down one of the world’s best clubs.“

Manchester City’s Position

Rodri, 30, has entered the final year of his City contract, although the Premier League club remain in talks over an extension and still hope he will be part of Enzo Maresca’s squad for the 2026–27 campaign. For Manchester City, the situation represents an escalating crisis during a period of massive structural transition. New manager Enzo Maresca remains determined to keep the 30-year-old at the heart of his tactical plans for the upcoming 2026–27 campaign, and City executives remain in active dialogue with the player’s camp over his long-term future.

Rodri’s potential exit would mark the latest change to City’s roster following Pep Guardiola’s departure after a decade in charge, with Enzo Maresca now taking over. John Stones and Bernardo Silva have also left the club after their contracts expired, with Silva moving directly to Real Madrid.

Real Madrid Under Mourinho: The Bigger Picture

The Board of Directors of Real Madrid, presided over by Florentino Pérez, agreed to appoint José Mourinho as the first team’s head coach for three seasons until June 30, 2029. Since hiring Mourinho as coach in early June, Real Madrid have moved quickly to reinforce ahead of the 2026/27 campaign, signing Marc Cucurella, Bernardo Silva, and Ibrahima Konaté to reshape their squad.

Despite being satisfied with much of the squad, Mourinho has continued to request reinforcements in two specific positions. The Portuguese coach is still eager to bring in a naturally left-footed centre-back and another midfielder. Rodri fits perfectly into that midfield requirement.

Real Madrid’s Summer Business (2026)

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