**Manchester City star Rodri will need to get his price tag reduced if he is to get the move to Real Madrid he appears to be angling for.**
[Cadena SER report on the midfielder today](https://cadenaser.com/nacional/2026/03/27/la-edad-y-el-precio-los-dos-grandes-obstaculos-que-alejan-el-fichaje-de-rodri-hernandez-por-el-real-madrid-cadena-ser/) and why, at this point, a move to the Santiago Bernabeu is not on the cards.
Real Madrid have a long-standing admiration of the midfielder. It’s been pushed back into the spotlight this week when he added fuel to the fire.
Speaking to Onda Cero, he openly expressed that “you can’t turn down the best clubs in the world” when asked about Real Madrid. The deal, though, would be complicated.
Age and price are problems
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Cadena SER explain that Rodri remains a favourite of Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez, but admiration alone won’t close the deal.
With a contract running until 2027, Manchester City are expected to demand around €80m. That’s a figure Madrid won’t pay with just a year left on his deal. El Larguero’s Antón Meana explained the logic.
“Rodri has always been to Florentino Pérez’s liking; he fits that profile of a midfielder,” he said.
“But right now he wouldn’t be the first option because his contract ends in 2027 and they’re easily going to ask for €80m.” According to him the “financial aspect is fundamental” for Real Madrid’s plans.
There’s also lingering worries [about his knee injury.](https://sportwitness.co.uk/expert-says-manchester-city-star-has-up-to-30-chance-of-injury-relapse-60-hamstring-chance/)
Rodri effort needed
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If the deal is to happen, Rodri will have to make something happen behind the scenes according to Meana.
“if Rodri wants to leave City and manages to negotiate a cheaper exit,” he said, adding that for Madrid it is “more a question of financial fit than a footballing doubt.”
As far as the Spanish side are concerned, Rodri’s comments are a positive but “it has to be accompanied by a gesture” for them to make a serious effort.
Mutual affection
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For fellow journalist Bruno Alemany, though, the deal is there to be done. He believes Real Marid will try because, even at 80%, Rodri is better than what they have.
“Real Madrid will indeed attempt the signing (because) both sides are eager for it to happen,” he said.
“Whether walking or playing at 80%, he’s still far superior to the vast majority of midfielders he faces.”
Antonio Romero, meanwhile, believes that Rodri wouldn’t be speaking as he has if he wasn’t leaving Manchester City this summer.
“A footballer who is going to stay at his club doesn’t say these kinds of things,” he added. According to him, the midfielder’s words “open the door to speculation.”
What happens next?
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At this point in time, everything points to a transfer that now depends far more on Rodri more than Real Madrid.
The desire is mutual and the Bernabéu would welcome him tomorrow. But unless he forces Manchester City into a reduced fee, the deal will stall before it starts.
His words have cracked the door open. Now Real Madrid want an effort to push it open wider ahead of the summer.