Direct negotiations underway
Manchester City and Real Madrid have opened direct talks over the future of Rodri, with the 2024 Ballon d'Or winner now the subject of formal club-to-club dialogue. The move comes after weeks of speculation linking the midfielder with a switch to the Santiago Bernabéu, and the Blues have now made their position clear.
City have informed Madrid that they will not entertain offers below €75 million.
The 30-year-old, who captained Spain to the FIFA World Cup title in North America, is said to be keen on the move. Madrid, for their part, are described as willing to go beyond €50 million — leaving a gap worth roughly £21 million at current exchange rates.
What the reporters say
Patrick Berger of Sky Sports Germany broke the news that the two clubs are now in direct contact. Fabrizio Romano adds that City sense other suitors could yet enter the race, with Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona among those previously tracking the situation.
PSG had already made contact earlier in the window to ask about the conditions of a potential deal.
Rodri remains on post-World Cup rest, so any transfer would not affect his immediate availability. But the structure of this deal — the fee, the add-ons, the timing — is very much a live issue.
City are holding firm at €75 million. Madrid are testing the water. The next move is theirs.