Real Madrid reach contract agreement with Man City midfield maestro; club-to-club talks underway | OneFootball

With every passing hour, it does feel like Real Madrid are inching closer and closer to signing Spanish midfield star Rodri from Manchester City.

Real Madrid officially began negotiations with the Premier League club earlier today, trying to understand what it would take to bring the Spaniard back to Madrid.

Now, according to journalist Matteo Moretto, Los Blancos have reached a full agreement on personal terms with Rodri, giving the club a major advantage as negotiations with Manchester City begin.

The midfielder has finalised his contract terms with Madrid and has made the Santiago Bernabeu his top priority.

Jose Mourinho has also spoken directly with Rodri as the club push to complete one of the biggest deals of the summer.

Personal terms no longer an obstacle

Contract terms agreed. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

The agreement with Rodri is a significant breakthrough because it removes one of the most important uncertainties surrounding any transfer operation.

Madrid now know the player is ready to join and that the proposed contract has been accepted. That allows the club to focus entirely on reaching an agreement with Manchester City.

Rodri’s preference also strengthens Madrid’s negotiating position. Even if other clubs attempt to enter the race, it feels like Los Blancos have the advantage.

Club-to-club talks have officially started, although there remains a difference between the two sides over the transfer fee.

Manchester City are asking for between €50 million and €60 million, while Real Madrid want to complete the deal for less.

That gap does not appear impossible to overcome, especially now that the player has given the Spanish giants priority.

Transfer edging closer. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

With the Spaniard having just a year left on his current contract, it is understandable why Real Madrid want to try to reduce the fee as much as possible.

Mourinho personally pushing for Rodri

Mourinho’s direct contact shows how important Rodri is to his plans.

The midfielder would give Los Blancos control, defensive intelligence and composure at the base of the team. His presence could also allow Federico Valverde and Jude Bellingham to play with greater freedom.

When fit and in form, Rodri has a transformative effect on every team he plays in and, ever since Toni Kroos retired and Luka Modric left the club, Real tMadrid have been searching for a midfield presence like this.

If they manage to pull this off, the Merengues will be adding the previous Euros and World Cup Player of the Tournament to their ranks.

It does feel like it is only a matter of time before Real Madrid get this deal over the line, and fans have every reason to be excited.