The deal Real Madrid have been circling for months
Real Madrid are confident they can finalize a deal to sign Rodri from Manchester City, according to The Athletic. The Spanish club has been tracking the Ballon d'Or winner for over a year and now believes the conditions are right to strike.
Rodri, 30, is entering the final year of his contract at the Etihad, with his current deal running until June 2027. While City would prefer to keep their midfield linchpin, the reality of his contract situation means this could be their last opportunity to command a significant transfer fee.
Why Rodri makes sense for Madrid
Real Madrid have been searching for a long-term successor to Toni Kroos and Luka Modric. While Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga have filled in admirably, neither possesses the complete defensive midfield profile that Rodri offers:
- Elite positional sense: Arguably the best reading of the game in world football
- Progressive passing: Consistently ranks in the top percentile for through balls and switches
- Big-game experience: Champions League winner, European Championship winner, Ballon d'Or holder
- Spanish identity: A Madrid-born player returning home would be a marketing coup
The financial equation
Manchester City face a dilemma. Rodri's market value sits between EUR 55-67 million, but at 30 years old with one year left on his deal, the actual fee could be significantly lower. Real Madrid are reportedly preparing an opening offer in the region of EUR 40-50 million.
City also need to consider the PSR implications. Selling Rodri for a profit would help their financial position, while letting him leave for free in 2027 would be a double blow: losing both the player and the revenue.
Competition and complications
Manchester City will not give up Rodri without a fight. Pep Guardiola views the Spaniard as the most important player in his system, and the club is prepared to offer a lucrative contract extension to keep him. There are also questions about whether Rodri would want to leave the Premier League at the peak of his powers.
However, the pull of Real Madrid and a return to Spain could prove decisive. Rodri came through Atletico Madrid's academy before moving to Villarreal and then City. A return to the Spanish capital, this time wearing white, would complete a remarkable career arc.
What the numbers say
| Metric | 2025/26 Season |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 41 |
| Goals | 9 |
| Assists | 11 |
| Pass Accuracy | 92% |
| Aerial Duels Won | 63% |
At an OVR of 89, Rodri remains one of the most complete midfielders in the game. Even at 30, a transfer to Real Madrid would represent a statement of intent from both club and player. Expect this saga to dominate the final weeks of the transfer window.
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