Real Madrid Pursues Manchester City Midfielder Rodri Amid Contract Expiry
Real Madrid is reportedly working on a deal to acquire Manchester City midfielder Rodri. While club-to-club discussions have not yet commenced, Madrid is confident that an agreement can be reached, proceeding with the expectation that Rodri will be joining the club.
Rodri, who is 30 years old, has entered the final year of his contract with City, which is set to expire in 2027. City remains in communication with the midfielder regarding his future and hopes he will be part of Enzo Maresca’s squad for the 2026-27 season. Madrid sources had previously indicated that Rodri was not part of their plans for the summer, but this stance has reportedly shifted following his return from the World Cup, with his performance and role in Spain’s victory influencing their decision.
Rodri’s desire for a return to Spain
The Spain international has expressed a desire to return to his home country during his playing career and has spoken about the appeal of representing Real Madrid. During an international break in March, Rodri told reporters in Spain that he would like to play in La Liga again, specifically in Madrid.
He noted that his previous affiliation with Atletico Madrid would not deter him from playing for Real Madrid, citing other players who have made similar moves, though perhaps not direct transfers. Rodri emphasized that one cannot decline an offer from one of the world’s top clubs.
Rodri returned to action for City in May 2025 after an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury sidelined him for much of the 2024-25 season. He made appearances across all competitions during the 2025-26 season, experiencing two periods out due to hamstring and groin issues.
According to reports, talks concerning Rodri’s future at City were anticipated after the World Cup. He started and captained his side in all eight matches at the World Cup, where Luis de la Fuente’s team secured consecutive major tournament victories, following their triumph in the European Championship in 2024.
Rodri is now scheduled to undergo surgery, with his return date currently unconfirmed. When questioned about Rodri during his initial press conference at City, Maresca stated that speculation around prominent players is normal, especially given Rodri’s performance at the World Cup where he was considered one of the best players.
Maresca added that every manager desires Rodri due to his quality, but highlighted his need for rest, recovery, and rehabilitation following his upcoming surgery.
Impact on Manchester City and Madrid’s strategy
Rodri, the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, joined City from Atletico 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 City, contributing 28 goals and 32 assists.
His potential departure would follow other significant exits from City this summer, including Pep Guardiola, who concluded a decade in Manchester and was succeeded by Maresca. Experienced players John Stones and Bernardo Silva have also left after their contracts expired, with Silva moving to Madrid.
City has reinforced its midfield this summer with the acquisition of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for £116 million. The club was also reportedly pursuing Morocco international Ayyoub Bouaddi, 18, from Lille, who performed well at the World Cup.
For Madrid, the potential arrival of Rodri is seen as exciting news for fans. Despite initial reluctance from president Florentino Perez and general manager Jose Angel Sanchez, the club’s key figures have reportedly changed their minds, a development that supporters had been advocating for. The club and its fanbase now view this as an ideal move to sign a world-class player who recently won the World Cup as Spain’s star player and has long sought this career step.
However, this signing also carries a degree of risk for Madrid. The club typically avoids significant investments in players nearing 30, and Rodri sustained 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.
While not an explicit request from Jose Mourinho, Rodri’s acquisition would strengthen an area where the Portuguese head coach had sought additional signings. His experience, leadership, and work ethic are seen as valuable assets for the dressing room, where atmosphere has been a concern in recent seasons.
For City, Rodri’s potential departure presents a significant challenge in midfield and across the team. The team has generally performed better with Rodri in the lineup, even after his return from injury. Although City found strong form in late 2025 despite his absence, with Nico Gonzalez emerging, the club will need to find further solutions. Rodri’s aim to play for Madrid has reportedly been known to those close to him for some time, despite his previous time at Atletico.
The surprise element for some is Madrid’s recent change in willingness to sign him, as key decision-makers, including Perez and Mourinho, were not initially considering his transfer. Rodri’s role in Spain’s World Cup victory appears to have been a decisive factor in this shift.
City fans are reportedly divided on the news, with some wishing him well despite disappointment, while others are angered by the move, partly due to Madrid’s reaction to his 2024 Ballon d’Or victory ahead of Vinicius Junior. City has already begun efforts to address the situation without Rodri.
Source: nytimes.com
