Real Madrid have made their first move in the pursuit of Rodri by starting talks with Manchester City.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano reports that City have finally relented and opened the door to the Spanish club after refusing all previous advances.
Rodri captained Spain to the World Cup title earlier this month and was awarded the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player.
The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner has flirted with the idea of moving back to his homeland for several months, saying in March: “Having played for Atlético [in 2018-19] before would not prevent me from playing for Real Madrid. There are other players who have done that before. Maybe not direct transfers, but eventually. You can’t turn down one of the world’s best clubs.”
The 30-year-old is currently sidelined after undergoing back surgery but is not expected to be out for long.
Rodri would bolster Real Madrid midfield
Madrid, now under the returning Jose Mourinho, are looking to bolster their squad after two seasons without a major trophy. One contributing factor has been the lack of experience in midfield following the departures of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric.
Rodri would provide that after proving at the World Cup he was back to his best after struggling to regain top form following a cruciate ligament injury in September 2024.
City have been attempting to persuade him to sign a new deal but the offer has been left on the table for several months and, with less than 12 months to go until his current contract expires, it seems the Etihad club have accepted the player wishes to move on.
His departure would be a major blow to new City boss Enzo Maresca.
What has Maresca said about the situation?
Speaking in his first press conference as City boss last Friday, Maresca expressed calm over the speculation.
“First of all, we have to say that around big players there is always speculation,” Maresca said.
“So I’m not worried about that, it’s normal, also because they [Spain] won the World Cup – he is one of the best players.
“I think every manager wants to have Rodri, because he’s a top player.
“But now, surgery [on a back problem] on Monday, and then he needs holiday, he needs to rest, recovery, and then he will be back here with us.”
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