Spain’s players will begin the 2026-27 season as world champions for the second time in 16 years, and the chance to sign them may be too tempting for the biggest clubs to turn down.

Real Madrid were left embarrassed when a Spain squad was named for the World Cup without a single player from their own ranks. Marc Cucurella later arrived from Chelsea, and Real Madrid president Florentino Perez seems ready to bring in at least one more.

Latest reports suggest that the capital club have agreed terms with Spain’s captain and the World Cup Golden Ball winner, although uncertainty still hangs over the possible transfer.

Manchester City midfielder Rodri has been strongly linked with a return to Spain to join Los Blancos. According to TEAMtalk, Rodri has chosen to leave the Premier League and would prefer a move to Real Madrid.

“Sources with knowledge of the situation have told us that the Spain international has decided he wants to embark on a new challenge,” reports Graeme Bailey.

“Rodri believes he still has plenty to offer at the highest level and feels the opportunity to join Real Madrid has come at the right stage of his career.”

However, even though the prospect of the 30-year-old wearing a white shirt in August is starting to look realistic, doubts are now surfacing in Madrid.

The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.

AS reports that a deal is still very far from complete and that club sources have made it clear there is ‘little substance’ to claims that Rodri and Real Madrid have already reached an agreement on terms.

“Club officials grew frustrated by the repeated use of Madrid’s name despite there being no contact between the parties,” writes Jose Felix Diaz. “Sources indicate that Madrid executives even reached out to their counterparts at City to deny the alleged discussions.

Rodri, the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, is highly admired by senior figures at Real Madrid, but AS suggests that one particular figure plans to shape the team in a way that raises doubts over the practicality of a move for the former Villarreal and Atletico Madrid midfielder.

Real Madrid turned to a familiar name to replace Alvaro Arbeloa as manager. Jose Mourinho is back after three seasons in charge at the Bernabeu between 2010 and 2013, and his appointment could be the biggest barrier between Rodri and a switch back to Spain.

“Mourinho’s Madrid is currently moving toward a different footballing model, one that is less possession-oriented and less dependent on the kind of cerebral, controlling midfield presence Rodri provides,” reports Diaz.

“That said, the club continues to hold the Spain international in the highest regard.”

Real Madrid have been busy in the transfer market this summer after two trophyless seasons.

Cucurella and Inter Milan right-back Denzel Dumfries have both been signed for fees, along with the free transfers of former Liverpool centre-back Ibrahima Konate and Bernardo Silva, Rodri’s former teammate at the Etihad Stadium.