Mourinho has already spoken to World Cup-winning midfielder as Real Madrid ramp up pursuit | OneFootball

Real Madrid have had an outstanding summer transfer window so far, bringing in the likes of Denzel Dumfries, Ibrahima Konate, Bernardo Silva and Marc Cucurella.

The club have also reached an agreement to sign Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig for an extraordinary fee, but it looks like they are not done.

The next player Los Blancos have on their radar is the 2026 FIFA World Cup Player of the Tournament, Rodri.

Real Madrid have launched an official operation, establishing contact with Manchester City to try to sign the talented Spanish midfielder.

Now, according to journalist Matteo Moretto on Radio MARCA, Jose Mourinho is personally involved in trying to bring the 30-year-old to the Santiago Bernabeu.

The Portuguese tactician has spoken directly with Rodri on multiple occasions and considers the Spain international a priority target.

Taking charge. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)

Mourinho makes his admiration clear

Mourinho is said to be a major admirer of Rodri and believes the midfielder could become a central figure in his new Madrid project.

The coach’s direct involvement is significant. Although the player has been keen to move to Madrid, Florentino Perez had not given the green light until recently.

Mourinho’s determination to make him a star from a sporting perspective seems to have swayed the president’s thinking now.

Rodri would offer control, positioning and defensive security at the base of midfield.

His arrival could also give the likes of Federico Valverde, Jude Bellingham and Arda Guler greater freedom to influence matches higher up the pitch.

Manchester City are unlikely to want to lose the midfielder, but with just one year left on his current contract, they may have to accept a sale this summer.

As per Moretto, the Cityzens want a fee of around €50-60 million for Rodri.

But Real Madrid are hopeful of negotiating a lower price, with some reports suggesting that they are confident of closing the deal for around €40-50 million.

A signing that could reshape Madrid

Rodri could prove to be a clutch signing for Real Madrid. (Photo by Diego Souto/Getty Images)

From a Real Madrid perspective, Rodri would be a transformative addition rather than a simple squad upgrade.

The Merengues have assembled a midfield filled with energy, athleticism and creativity, but Rodri would provide the calm rhythm and tactical authority needed to control the biggest European matches.

He is also familiar with La Liga and would require less adaptation than many alternatives. He has shown at the World Cup that he is still one of the best in the world in his position.

There is still a long way to go, but the fact that Real Madrid have opened direct talks to sign Rodri is a huge indication that things are progressing as planned.

Only time will tell whether Mourinho is granted his wish and whether Rodri is wearing Real Madrid’s white next season.