Real Madrid are reportedly preparing to put forward a bid for Manchester City’s midfield linchpin, Rodri. According to sources close to the Spanish club, preliminary discussions have already taken place with City officials about the possibility of acquiring the Spanish World Cup-winning captain, Sky Sports News reports.
The estimated price tag that Madrid are ready to meet falls somewhere between £43 million and £51 million (approximately €50 million to €60 million). This range reflects the fact that Rodri’s current contract with City is set to expire after the upcoming season, leaving him with just one year remaining on his deal.
Manchester City, however, are not eager to see their star midfielder depart. The club’s hierarchy is reportedly focused on securing a long‑term extension with Rodri, hoping to keep the player who has become a cornerstone of Pep Guardiola’s tactical set‑up.
The Catalan side view him as indispensable and are prepared to negotiate a new contract that would see him remain at the Etihad for several more years. Rodri’s recent medical situation adds another layer of complexity.
He underwent successful back surgery on a Monday and is now in the recovery phase. The operation means he will miss both the Community Shield and the opening Premier League match of the new campaign. Despite the setback, the Spanish midfielder is expected to return to full fitness before the season gets into full swing.
In other news, Sky Sports encourages fans to follow its WhatsApp channel for the latest updates, video highlights, in‑depth analysis and more. The platform also promotes the upcoming Enzo Maresca era at City, noting that the club hopes Rodri will be the figurehead guiding the team through this new chapter. Meanwhile, Real Madrid have been active in the transfer market this summer. They have already secured the services of Marc Cucurella from Chelsea, and the club’s hierarchy appears united in the belief that adding Rodri would be the next logical step.
The move would also address criticism aimed at club president Florentino Pérez, who was recently reproached for the perceived lack of Spanish representation in the national squad under his leadership. City’s own transfer agenda includes a potential deal for Lille and Morocco international Ayyoub Bouaddi, according to insiders. The club is also exploring ways to strengthen its squad without sacrificing the core that helped them dominate domestically in recent years.
Jamie Carragher of Sky Sports weighed in on the financial aspect of the rumored deal. He argued that a £40‑50 million price tag is modest for a player of Rodri’s calibre, especially considering City originally paid £60 million for his services.
Carragher suggested that City would be better off retaining the midfielder rather than selling him for a modest profit, noting that losing Rodri could severely hamper their chances of retaining the Premier League crown. "If you’re Manchester City, what’s the point in selling a player like Rodri? You might as well keep him for the extra year," Carragher said. He praised Rodri’s performances, particularly during the World Cup, where the midfielder appeared to be back at his peak.
Carragher also highlighted Rodri’s partnership with Bernardo Silva in the latter half of the previous season, which he believes was instrumental in City’s title challenge. Laura Hunter, also from Sky Sports, offered a complementary perspective, emphasizing Rodri’s status as perhaps the most complete central midfielder to have featured in the Premier League over the past five years. She quoted Pep Guardiola, who has described Rodi as "the best midfielder in the world by far." Under Guardiola’s guidance, Rodri’s role has been pivotal, dictating tempo, controlling possession and providing a reliable outlet in tight spaces.
His contributions were equally vital for Spain’s triumphant World Cup campaign, where he helped the national side dominate games. Hunter noted that City’s inability to retain the Premier League trophy in the two seasons when Rodri was sidelined by injury underscores his importance.
She asked the rhetorical question of how the club could replace him, suggesting that England international Elliot Anderson could serve as a potential surrogate. While Anderson is not yet at Rodri’s level, his box‑to‑box style and growing statistical output indicate he could develop into a comparable player over time. In summary, the situation remains fluid.
Real Madrid appear ready to make a substantial offer for Rodri, while Manchester City are determined to keep their midfield anchor and are working on a new contract. Rodri’s recovery from back surgery will be closely monitored, as his fitness will influence both clubs’ strategies in the coming weeks. The transfer saga, combined with City’s broader recruitment plans and Madrid’s recent signings, promises to be a key storyline as the new season approaches.