Real Madrid Confident in Securing Rodri Transfer f...

By Rohan Gupta — 24 July 2026 — 4 min read

Real Madrid are reportedly working on a deal to sign midfielder Rodri from Manchester City. While club-to-club discussions have not yet occurred, Real Madrid is confident an agreement can be reached, operating on the assumption that Rodri will be joining the club this summer. The Spain international has entered the final year of his contract with Manchester City, which is set to expire in 2027.

Sources close to Real Madrid had previously indicated that Rodri was not a target this summer. However, the club’s stance reportedly shifted following his return from the World Cup, with his performance level and role in Spain‘s triumph influencing their decision to pursue him. Rodri started and captained his side in all eight matches at the World Cup. He was also recognized as one of the best players at the World Cup.

Rodri’s contract and injury status

Manchester City remains in dialogue with Rodri regarding his future and hopes he will be part of Enzo Maresca’s squad for the 2026-27 season. Reports from July 21 indicated that talks concerning Rodri’s future at Manchester City were expected to take place after the World Cup. However, he had shown little desire to extend his terms.

Rodri is scheduled to undergo surgery, with his return date currently unconfirmed. He returned to action for Manchester City in May 2025 after an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury sidelined him for a significant portion of the 2024-25 season. During the 2025-26 season, he featured in all competitions, experiencing two spells out due to hamstring and groin issues.

The midfielder has previously expressed a desire to return to his home country during his playing career and has spoken about the appeal of playing for Real Madrid. During an international break in March, Rodri told reporters in Spain that he would like to return to La Liga and specifically to Madrid. He noted that having played for Atletico Madrid previously would not deter him from joining Real Madrid, citing other players who have made similar moves, though perhaps not directly.

Impact on Manchester City and Real Madrid

Should Rodri depart, he would be among several players leaving Manchester City this summer. Pep Guardiola concluded his decade in Manchester and was replaced by Enzo Maresca. Experienced players John Stones and Bernardo Silva have also left after their contracts expired, with Bernardo Silva moving to Real Madrid.

Manchester City has reinforced its midfield this summer with the signing of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for £116 million. The club was also reportedly pursuing the signing of Morocco international Ayyoub Bouaddi, 18, from Lille, who impressed at the World Cup.

When asked about Rodri during his first press conference as Manchester City manager, Enzo Maresca acknowledged the speculation surrounding top players. He stated he was not concerned and believed it was normal, especially given Rodri‘s performance at the World Cup. Maresca added that every manager would want Rodri due to his quality, but noted the upcoming surgery and the need for rest and recovery.

Rodri, the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, joined Manchester City from Atletico Madrid in 2019. During his seven years at the club, he has won four Premier League titles, two FA Cups, three League Cups, and the Champions League in 2023, where he scored the winning goal in the final. He has made 298 appearances for Manchester City, contributing 28 goals and 32 assists.

For Real Madrid, the potential arrival of Rodri would be significant news for fans. Despite initial reluctance from president Florentino Perez and general manager Jose Angel Sanchez, the club’s change of heart aligns with supporter sentiment. The signing is viewed as an ideal move to acquire a world-class player who has just won the World Cup as Spain‘s star player and has long desired to join Real Madrid.

However, the move also carries some risk for Real Madrid. The club typically avoids substantial investments in players nearing the age of 30, and Rodri experienced a serious knee injury in 2024, which was followed by muscle injuries. His strong performance at the World Cup has reportedly alleviated many concerns about his physical condition, shifting focus to his potential contributions to the team.

His experience, leadership, and work ethic could also be beneficial in the dressing room. The news of Rodri‘s potential departure is seen as a significant challenge for Manchester City, as the club has been notably stronger with him in the lineup.

Manchester City had been attempting to secure a new contract for Rodri for over a year to avoid his current deal running out next summer. Those close to Rodri are aware that playing for Real Madrid has been a long-term aspiration for him.

The surprise element in this potential transfer is that Real Madrid had been unwilling to sign him until recently. Various club sources indicated that key decision-makers, including president Perez and coach Mourinho, were not considering his signing. However, Rodri’s role in Spain’s World Cup victory reportedly influenced their decision. Manchester City will need to find solutions in midfield without Rodri, though work on this has already begun.

The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner joined Manchester City from Atletico Madrid in 2019.

Source: nytimes.com