Madrid's change of heart

Florentino Perez had rejected the idea of signing Rodri only a few weeks ago. Now, according to journalist Matteo Moretto, Real Madrid are pressing to reach an agreement with the Manchester City midfielder. The shift follows a World Cup campaign that reminded everyone — including Madrid — exactly what the Spaniard brings to a team.

Rodri was named FIFA World Cup Player of the Tournament after Spain beat Lionel Messi's Argentina 1-0 in the final in New York. He edged out Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham for the individual honour, though the decision attracted some doubts. The numbers and the trophy speak for themselves, though. Rodri produced immense performances throughout the tournament as Luis de la Fuente's side claimed a second world title, two years after the midfielder had led City to their first Champions League crown.

City's stance is clear

City are not interested in losing their most important player. They are said to desperately want Rodri to remain at the Etihad until at least the end of his current contract, which runs through 2026-27. The club have presented a huge financial offer to renew his deal and are working alongside the midfielder and his representatives to keep him at the City Football Academy.

Rodri's own words from March add a layer of uncertainty. He admitted then that you 'cannot turn down the best clubs in the world'. He also noted that his Atletico Madrid past would not stop him from playing for their cross-city rivals. That was before the World Cup final. Before Madrid's internal reconsideration.

The 30-year-old joined City from Atletico in July 2019 for a then-club record £62.8 million. He quickly became one of the greatest players in the club's history, helping City reach unprecedented heights. He played a part in the Treble campaign of 2023, then tore his anterior cruciate ligament at the start of the 2024-25 season. He returned to his former, Ballon d'Or-winning ways. Last season, he played a large part in City's domestic double — a Carabao Cup final win over Arsenal and an FA Cup final triumph against Chelsea.

Madrid's renewed interest is real. Whether it is enough to prise him away, with a year left on his deal and City offering the earth to keep him, is another matter entirely.