City dig in on Rodri as Maresca's non-negotiable emerges
Manchester City are set to reject every approach Real Madrid make for Rodri this summer. The club's stance is absolute, and now we know a key reason why.
When Enzo Maresca negotiated his deal to succeed Pep Guardiola six months ago, he made one thing clear: Rodri stays. The Italian insisted on having the 2024 Ballon d'Or winner in his squad as a condition of taking the job, according to The Mirror.
That stipulation helps explain why chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak and other City officials are holding firm against Real Madrid's interest. Florentino Perez is reportedly preparing an initial £80m offer, potentially rising to £100m. City, for now, are not remotely tempted.
Rodri entered the final year of his contract off the back of a stunning World Cup – he led Spain to the 2026 title and took the Golden Ball. Back in March, he addressed the speculation head-on.
“Joining Los Blancos is not a 'closed door' for him,” he said at the time. “I would like to return to the Spanish league in the future.”
Real Madrid have reportedly received Rodri's approval and are closing in on personal terms, while City continue to try to extend his stay. The situation is complicated by a back injury that now requires surgery with no confirmed return date.
That medical setback might temporarily stall Madrid's pursuit. But the longer-term risk remains: if Rodri runs down his contract, his wish to play in Spain again could see him leave on a free next summer.
For now, Maresca plans to build his team around the 30-year-old, believing he is crucial to integrating club record signing Elliot Anderson, who arrived for £116m. Director of football Hugo Viana and the manager have been building the squad with Rodri as a key piece, with the new campaign just weeks away.
After two injury-hit campaigns, Rodri's World Cup displays brought back hope that City's talisman is back to his best. Maresca's non-negotiable demand is about to face its first real test.