Real Madrid are reportedly preparing a formal approach for Manchester City’s midfield linchpin Rodri, the Spanish captain who helped his nation lift the World Cup. According to sources close to the club, the Spanish giants have already opened preliminary talks with City about a possible transfer, with the intention of securing the 27‑year‑old defensive midfielder during the upcoming summer window. Insiders say the Merengues are ready to put a price tag in the region of £43 million to £51 million (approximately €50 million to €60 million), reflecting the fact that Rodri’s contract with City expires after the 2024‑25 season. The figure is meant to compensate for the remaining year on his deal while also acknowledging his status as one of the most complete midfielders in Europe.
Manchester City, however, appear reluctant to part with their talisman. Club officials have indicated that their priority is to negotiate a long‑term extension with Rodri, hoping to keep him at the Etihad for the foreseeable future. The club’s hierarchy believes that retaining the player is essential to the project that manager Pep Guardiola is building, especially as the team transitions to a new era under sporting director Enzo Maresca.
Rodri’s recent back surgery, performed on a Monday, has further complicated matters. The midfielder is currently in recovery and is expected to miss the season‑opening Community Shield as well as City’s first Premier League fixture.
Despite the setback, medical reports suggest the operation was successful and that Rodri should be back to full fitness well before the midway point of the campaign. The transfer speculation arrives at a time when Real Madrid’s president, Florentino Pérez, is under scrutiny for the club’s limited representation in the Spanish national side.
Critics argue that the lack of Spanish players in the Real lineup undermines the club’s identity. Pérez’s recent re‑election has reignited calls for the club to bring in more home‑grown talent, and a high‑profile signing such as Rodri would directly address those concerns. Real have already bolstered their squad this summer by acquiring Chelsea’s left‑back Marc Cucurella, a move that was widely welcomed by fans and pundits alike. The successful completion of that deal appears to have given the board confidence to pursue a marquee midfielder.
According to sources inside the Bernabéu, there is a strong consensus among the club’s hierarchy that adding Rodri would not only strengthen the midfield but also send a clear message about Real’s ambition to dominate both domestically and in Europe. In parallel, Manchester City are reportedly advancing talks for a potential signing of Lille and Morocco international Ayyoub Bouaddi. The French club’s interest in Bouaddi suggests City are looking to add depth to their midfield options, perhaps as a contingency plan should Rodri ultimately decide to leave.
Sky Sports analyst Jamie Carragher weighed in on the rumored fee, questioning why City would consider selling a player of Rodri’s calibre for £40‑50 million. "If you’re Manchester City, why would you let him go? He’s arguably the best defensive midfielder in the Premier League right now," Carragher said. He highlighted Rodri’s performances in the World Cup, where the Spaniard appeared to be at his peak, and praised his partnership with Bernardo Silva during the latter half of the previous season, which nearly propelled City to the league title.
Carragher added that losing Rodri would create a significant void, especially after the departure of Bernardo Silva to Real Madrid. He suggested that even promising youngsters like Elliot Anderson, who recently joined City, would need time to develop under Rodri’s mentorship before they could fill the gap left by the Spaniard.
Laura Hunter from Sky Sports echoed the sentiment, describing Rodri as the most complete central midfielder to have played in the Premier League over the past five years. She quoted Pep Guardiola, who has repeatedly called Rodri "the best midfielder in the world by far." Under Guardiola’s system, Rodri has been the fulcrum of City’s in‑play strategy, dictating tempo, shielding the defence, and initiating attacks with his precise passing and composure under pressure.
Hunter noted that City’s failure to retain the Premier League crown in the two seasons when Rodri was sidelined by injury underscores his importance. "There is no current player who can condition a game like Rodri," she said, emphasizing that his absence was a key factor in City’s dip in form.
The question now is how City might replace him if the transfer goes through. While Elliot Anderson shows promise as a box‑to‑box midfielder, he is still in the early stages of his development and has not yet demonstrated the same level of control and leadership that Rodri provides. Nevertheless, Anderson’s exposure to City’s high‑intensity environment could accelerate his growth, potentially positioning him as a future successor. In summary, Real Madrid appear poised to make a serious bid for Rodri, offering a substantial sum that reflects both his remaining contract length and his elite status.
Manchester City, meanwhile, are keen to retain their midfield anchor, especially as they navigate a transitional period under new sporting leadership. The outcome of these negotiations will likely have significant ramifications for the balance of power in both La Liga and the Premier League, and could shape the strategic direction of two of Europe’s most storied clubs for years to come.