Football Today

·29 July 2026

Football Today

·29 July 2026

Real Madrid have made the first clear move in their chase for Rodri after starting talks with Manchester City over a possible transfer.

As per transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano, the opening discussions have now happened between the two clubs after months of speculation about the midfielder’s future.

Madrid president Florentino Perez has personally given the green light to the move after the club had earlier held back from making an approach.

The Spanish side are ready to put in an offer of more than €50 million. Even so, City are expected to demand far more.

Rodri is widely seen as one of the best holding midfielders in world football and was a key pillar of the side under Pep Guardiola.

The Spain international also added to his standing during the 2026 World Cup, playing a major role as his country lifted the trophy for the first time since 2010.

Madrid have kept tabs on Rodri across several transfer windows and see him as the perfect signing to add more control, leadership and experience in the middle of midfield.

However, City are under no clear pressure to sell one of their most influential players.

Rodri is one of the leaders in the dressing room and is still viewed as central to new manager Enzo Maresca’s plans for the coming campaign.

That leaves Madrid in a tough position in talks despite their fresh resolve to get a deal done.

Any agreement is also likely to need a much bigger fee than Madrid’s first valuation, given Rodri’s quality and his importance to City.

Signing Rodri would be one of the standout transfers of the summer and would further boost a squad already expected to fight for major honours under manager Jose Mourinho.