Real Madrid are working on a deal to sign Manchester City midfielder Rodri, The Athletic reports. Club-to-club talks have yet to take place, but Madrid are confident an agreement can be reached and are operating on the basis that he will join this summer.
Rodri, 30, has entered the final year of his City contract, which runs until 2027. City remain in dialogue with him over an extension and are hopeful he will be part of Enzo Maresca’s squad for 2026-27.
Madrid had insisted throughout the summer that Rodri was not part of their plans. That stance changed after his performances at the World Cup, where he played a leading role in Spain’s triumph and won the Golden Ball.
Rodri started and captained his side across all eight matches at the tournament, as Luis de la Fuente’s Spain beat Argentina in the final to win back-to-back major honours, following their European Championship win in 2024.
Speaking at his first press conference as City manager, Maresca played down the speculation. “Around big players there is always speculation,” he said. “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.”
A move would mark another high-profile departure from City this summer, following Pep Guardiola’s exit after a decade in charge. John Stones and Bernardo Silva have also left, with Silva joining Real Madrid on a free transfer.
Rodri is set to undergo surgery on a back issue, with his return date unconfirmed. He has previously spoken of his wish to return to Spain. “Would I like to play in Spain again, in La Liga, in Madrid? I would like to return, yes, obviously,” he told reporters in March.
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