Real Madrid are working on a deal to sign Manchester City midfielder Rodri, according to The Athletic.
Discussions between the clubs have not yet taken place, but Madrid are confident an agreement can be reached and are planning on the Spain international joining this summer.
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.
Madrid had insisted throughout the summer that Rodri was not a target, but their stance changed after his performances at the World Cup, where he played a key role in Spain’s triumph and won the Golden Ball.
If the move goes through, Rodri would become the latest high-profile departure from City following Pep Guardiola’s exit after a decade in charge. John Stones and Bernardo Silva have also left this summer, with Silva joining Madrid after his contract expired.
Rodri started all eight of Spain’s matches as they won back-to-back major tournaments, having also lifted Euro 2024, but he is now set to undergo surgery on a back problem, with no return date confirmed.
Rodri wants Spain return
Speaking during Spain’s international camp in March, Rodri admitted he would like to return to La Liga one day and would not rule out joining Real Madrid despite beginning his career with city rivals Atletico.
“Would I like to play in Spain again, in La Liga, in Madrid? I would like to return, yes, obviously,” he said.
“Having played for Atletico before would not prevent me from playing for Real Madrid. Other players have done that before, even if not directly.
“You can’t turn down one of the world’s best clubs.”
Rodri returned from a serious ACL injury in May 2025 and made 33 appearances during the 2025-26 season, although hamstring and groin problems disrupted his campaign.
City have already strengthened in midfield this summer by signing Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for £116m and are also pushing to bring in Lille youngster Ayyoub Bouaddi.
Asked about Rodri’s future during his first press conference as City manager, Maresca dismissed the speculation.
“Around big players there is always speculation,” he said.
“I’m not worried because it’s normal. He has just won the World Cup, was one of the best players there and every manager wants someone like Rodri.
“But now he needs surgery, then a holiday, then time to recover. After that, he will be back with us.”
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