Real Madrid have opened talks with Manchester City over a move for Rodri after club president Florentino Pérez gave the green light to pursue the Spain international.
Fabrizio Romano reports that verbal discussions between the two clubs have begun, marking the first direct contact over the midfielder this summer. Madrid are understood to be prepared to offer more than €50 million, although negotiations remain at an early stage and no agreement has been reached.
The development represents a significant shift in Madrid’s approach. Earlier this month, Romano reported that the move was effectively on hold because Pérez had yet to approve a formal pursuit.
🚨⚪️ Real Madrid have approached Manchester City for Rodri for the first time.
Negotiations have started with verbal discussions between clubs.
Florentino Pérez has given approval to the deal after doors closed for months.
Real indicate they are ready to spend over €50m. pic.twitter.com/mf8HNldbcZ
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 29, 2026
That stance has now changed following Rodri’s outstanding performances during Spain’s World Cup-winning campaign, where he captained his country and claimed the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player.
Real Madrid open talks with Man City for Rodri
Manchester City, however, are expected to resist any attempt to prise away one of their most influential players. The Premier League club want Rodri to sign a new contract, with his current deal entering its final year, and have remained optimistic that fresh terms can eventually be agreed.
The 30-year-old is currently recovering after undergoing minor back surgery and is expected to miss the start of the new season. Despite that setback, Real continue to view him as their preferred midfield target as they look to strengthen José Mourinho’s squad.
Whether Madrid’s reported willingness to spend more than €50m will be enough remains uncertain. Previous reports have suggested City value Rodri considerably higher, meaning a substantial gap could still separate the two clubs if negotiations progress.
For now, discussions are in their infancy, but the opening of club-to-club talks marks the clearest indication yet that Real Madrid are prepared to test Manchester City’s resolve for one of the world’s leading midfielders.
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