Rodri's representatives meet Real Madrid
The agents of Rodri have held a secret meeting with Real Madrid this week, according to journalist Patrick Berger. The meeting took place on Tuesday afternoon at a restaurant in Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid, and signals that the Spanish giants are serious about prising the midfielder away from Manchester City this summer.
Berger reports that Madrid's board have now decided to make Rodri one of their top targets and are prepared to offer a contract until 2030. There is a complication, however: club president Florentino Perez is believed to be against the idea, though his own officials are pushing regardless.
Rodri himself is said to be keen on a move back to Spain.
The 30-year-old is fresh from captaining Spain to World Cup glory in North America this summer, claiming the Player of the Tournament after a 1-0 win over Argentina in the final in New York. He came into that tournament with lingering doubts over his fitness after a stop-start campaign with City last season, continuing to build strength after an ACL injury in 2024.
No direct talks have yet taken place between Madrid and City. That will come as some comfort to Blues supporters, though the lack of formal contact between clubs is standard practice at this stage.
City have already moved to cover
City have already moved to cover themselves in case of Rodri's departure. The club secured Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest in a £116 million agreement earlier this window.
There is also strong interest in Lille's Ayyoub Bouaddi, an 18-year-old Morocco international midfielder. Lille are demanding an eye-watering €100 million for the teenager, and City would likely want to bring him to the Etihad this season — though there are claims a loan back to the French club could be part of any deal.