Negotiations ongoing for Ballon d'Or winner
Manchester City are making Real Madrid work for Rodri. The Spanish champions have opened talks this week — conversations began Wednesday and continued Thursday — but the Blues are refusing to budge on their valuation of the 30-year-old midfielder.
Fabrizio Romano confirmed on his YouTube channel that Madrid have indicated they are prepared to pay around £43m (€50m). City want more. The ball, for now, sits with the player.
Rodri swapped Atletico Madrid for City in 2019 and has since collected four Premier League titles, two FA Cups, three Carabao Cups, the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup. He also claimed the Ballon d'Or in 2024, beating Madrid's Vinicius Junior.
In late March, Rodri told Spanish media: “There have been many players who've gone down that path. Not immediately, but over time. For me, you can't turn down the best clubs in the world. I've got a year left on my contract; the time will come when we'll have to sit down and talk.”
Romano added: “Don't forget that Real Madrid indicated they are prepared to pay around €50m. City are likely to ask more. And City still hope more clubs could join the race for Rodri. But the player is going to make the difference in this story.”
Bouaddi chase continues on separate track
Before Madrid made their move, City were pursuing Lille's Ayyoub Bouaddi. The 18-year-old impressed at the World Cup for Morocco, and City's efforts to sign him have intensified since.
Bouaddi could cost around £85m. Romano says City are confident a deal can be struck soon: “The player is ready to give his green light to the Manchester City project. Now also club to club, they are getting closer. Manchester City are very confident to have the here we go for Bouaddi quite soon and will be an excellent signing, one of the best talents in his position around the world.”
Two sagas. One club digging in. The other closing in.