Manchester City star Rodri is keen on joining Real Madrid in the summer.
For most of this year, the Spanish media have regularly covered Real Madrid as an option for the midfielder.
Back in February, Sport Witness relayed news that Los Blancos want to snatch him away from Manchester City after the World Cup.
On March 9th, we covered claims from Spain of Pep Guardiola’s side offering him a new contract.
Later that month, the Spain international refused to rule out a move elsewhere after this season.
Manchester City man long-term Real Madrid target
Rodri is on the front page of today’s Marca, who state Los Blancos believe his ‘willingness to join facilitates the operation’.
Within the report, Marca first explain Real Madrid have long had the 29-year-old on their radar. Atlético Madrid refused to sell him to their rivals prior to his move to the Etihad in 2019.
His name appeared in recent summer windows, especially after Toni Kroos’ exit in 2024. A deal never seemed possible mainly because of his connection with Pep Guardiola.
The manager is on the verge of leaving Manchester City, which ‘altered a scenario that seemed immovable’.
Barring a last-minute twist, Rodri’s mentor will leave the Citizens and that opens the door for his exit. He now likes the idea of returning to Spain, and Real Madrid remain attentive.
Los Blancos believe there’s a deal to be done under right circumstances. Manchester City aren’t ‘considering an easy exit’ but that could change with his desire to leave. In fact, the player is eager to join Real Madrid.
The relationship between the midfielder and the Madrid club is cordial despite ups and downs.
There was some friction after Rodri beat Vinícius Júnior to win the Ballon d’Or in 2024. However, Marca state Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez ‘later eased the tension with a gesture towards’ the Spaniard.
Real Madrid ready to take action
Real Madrid want Manchester City midfielder Rodri
Real Madrid want Manchester City midfielder Rodri
To sum it up, Rodri has been the La Liga giants’ ‘great unfulfilled dream’ and his signing now seems feasible due to Guardiola’s exit.
The change of situation allows Real Madrid to make move in the upcoming window, as long as the conditions are favourable.
Although Rodri is eager to join Los Blancos, a move is unlikely to take shape until after the World Cup. There’s no mention of the fee needed to convince Manchester City.
His contract expires in 2027, and Transfermarkt value him at €65m.