Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca reacts to Real Madrid-Rodri speculation | OneFootball

Real Madrid are not actively pursuing signings at this stage, but they could look to add one or two more to the four already brought in earlier this summer. Ibrahima Konate, Denzel Dumfries, Marc Cucurella and Bernardo Silva are in the door, and in the case of the latter, he could be joined by former Manchester City teammate Rodri.

Real Madrid head coach Jose Mourinho is keen to add another midfielder to his ranks, and after missing out on top target Enzo Fernandez, attention has turned to Rodri – especially after his stellar performances for Spain at the 2026 World Cup. The 30-year-old is a player that Bernabeu bosses have appreciated for a long time, and with his contract expiring in less than 12 months’ time, now could be the perfect time to strike.

However, there is an expectation within Man City that Rodri will stay this summer, and this was made clear by new head coach Enzo Maresca during his final press conference since being appointed as Pep Guardiola’s successor (via Sport).

“First of all, I have to say that around the great players there is always speculation. So I’m not worried about that. It is normal, also because Spain won the World Cup and he is one of the best players. I think every coach wants to have Rodri, because he is a top player. But now, surgery for a back problem on Monday, and then he needs vacation, he needs to rest, recover, and then he will come back here with us.”

Surgery situation could affect Real Madrid move for Rodri

It’s been known for several weeks that Rodri would be undergoing surgery after the World Cup came to an end, and this is likely to mean that he misses the start of the 2026-27 season in order to fully recover. This could have an affect on whether Real Madrid make a move in the coming weeks, knowing that Mourinho couldn’t count on him right away.