Rodri enters final year of City deal
Manchester City have received a formal approach from Real Madrid for Rodri for the first time this summer, according to reports. The Spanish giants have made the Ballon d'Or winner their primary midfield target as the 28-year-old enters the final 12 months of his current contract at the Etihad.
City have kept a lucrative new deal on the table for Rodri throughout the summer, but the player has not shown any sign of wanting to commit to a new agreement. That uncertainty has now prompted Madrid to act.
Negotiations begin with verbal talks
Journalist Fabrizio Romano reports that negotiations have started with verbal discussions between the two clubs. Florentino Pérez has given his own approval to a deal after holding back from the idea for months. Real Madrid are said to be ready to spend over €50 million on the midfielder.
City, meanwhile, have already secured the £116 million services of Elliot Anderson. The club are also believed to be in active negotiations with Lille over 18-year-old Moroccan starlet Ayyoub Bouaddi, though the French club are holding out for a staggering £85 million fee.
City have kept a lucrative new deal on the table for Rodri throughout the summer.
Rodri's situation adds an extra layer of intrigue to what has already been a busy window for the Blues. With the 2026-27 season not starting until 23rd August, there is time for things to develop — but Madrid's first official contact changes the dynamic entirely.