Real Madrid and Manchester City negotiating Rodri transfer | OneFootball

Real Madrid and Manchester City are in negotiations to finalise the transfer of Spain midfielder Rodrigo Hernández to the Bernabéu, a move planned for months with the player’s approval. The 30-year-old had one year left on his City deal, but after Pep Guardiola’s departure he has decided to end his successful spell in Manchester.

According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, City were informed of Rodri’s intentions and the clubs have now sat down to settle the terms of a deal.

Madrid’s interest stretches back, with Xabi Alonso seeking a holding midfielder after strengthening the defence and Florentino Pérez insisting the target had to be Rodri. Last summer City’s price was deemed untouchable and the player preferred to defer any decision until after the World Cup, so talks were parked for this window.

In March 2026, Rodri noted he had a year remaining and that discussions would be needed. On 1 June, during Spain’s Media Day at Las Rozas, he signalled any decision would come after the World Cup. Madrid then reached an agreement with the player, who prioritised a return to Spain with Madrid his preferred destination.

The clubs are close on price. City want 60 million, split as 45 fixed and 15 in add-ons, while Madrid’s opening offer is 50 million, so an agreement is described as imminent.

Guardiola’s exit was the turning point, and City have already lined up his replacement by sealing Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for 135 million. The process was briefly clouded when presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme contacted the player’s camp, a move that annoyed Pérez, who has since focused on completing the signing of the recent World Cup Golden Ball winner.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo