Real Madrid have temporarily eased off their pursuit of Rodri as the club focuses on completing the signing of RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande, according to Jose Felix Diaz of AS.

Although the Spanish midfielder continues to be a key target for Jose Mourinho’s squad, club officials have chosen to finish the deal for the Ivorian before resuming talks with Manchester City.

Diomande’s transfer is now in its closing stages, with personal terms already fully agreed between the player and the club.

The 21-year-old has agreed to a five-year contract with Real Madrid, and only the final legal and administrative formalities are left before the transfer can be officially sealed.

The initial expectation was that the agreement would be completed earlier this week. However, differences over a number of contractual clauses between the two clubs delayed the process longer than expected.

Despite that setback, Real Madrid remain confident that the transfer will be finalised in time for Diomande to link up with Mourinho’s squad before the end of the week.

As a result, attention has moved away from Rodri for the moment. First contact with Manchester City had been expected to take place this week, but those conversations have now been pushed back while the club wraps up other transfer business.

The delay does not indicate any shift in Real Madrid’s plans.

After weeks of internal discussions, club president Florentino Perez recently gave the green light to the operation, with Rodri now seen as the ideal midfielder to complete Mourinho’s squad.

Rodri’s displays during the World Cup were decisive in changing opinions inside Valdebebas.

The midfielder went from being viewed as an unlikely target to becoming Los Blancos’ preferred option after his outstanding performances in the semi-finals and final convinced even the remaining doubters at the club.

His current level, physical condition and leadership qualities have removed many of the concerns that had previously surrounded such a move.

The Spaniard’s achievements have further strengthened his case. Along with winning the Ballon d’Or in 2024, Rodri also claimed the Golden Ball at the 2026 World Cup, reinforcing the club’s belief that he remains one of the finest midfielders in world football.

Any eventual transfer is expected to involve an investment of around €100 million, including transfer fees and salary.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid’s new signings will have to wait a little longer for their official presentations.

With Perez currently away from Madrid, the traditional unveiling ceremonies and photo sessions have been postponed.

Los Blancos plan to present all their new arrivals together once the president returns, although some of the newcomers could make unofficial debuts before that, including in the upcoming pre-season match against Fiorentina.