Fabrizio Romano confirms: Real Madrid will not pursue Rodri this summer after Bernardo Silva signing | OneFootball

Real Madrid appear to have surprised everyone in the market by snapping up Bernardo Silva. The Portuguese international, who was a free agent, was closely linked with a move to Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.

But Real Madrid appear to have swooped in and are set to sign him on a free transfer, with Fabrizio Romano already giving his customary ‘here we go’.

Silva’s arrival, though, could impact Real Madrid’s transfer strategy in midfield, with Romano himself confirming that any move for Silva’s ex-teammate Rodri is now completely off the table.

No interest from either side

Rodri no longer an option at Real Madrid. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

According to Romano, Rodri himself stated he had no knowledge of or involvement with the transfer rumours linking him to Real Madrid.

Florentino Perez has also confirmed from his side that the Spanish midfielder was never a target for the club this summer.

This should put an end to what was turning into a compelling transfer saga – the idea that Rodri, who won the Ballon d’Or ahead of Vinicius Jr. in 2024, could soon join Los Blancos, especially after the exit of Pep Guardiola at Man City.

Bernardo Silva closes the door

The primary reason the move is now definitively off is the signing of Bernardo Silva.

Bernardo Silva is set to join Real Madrid on a free transfer. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

With the Portuguese midfielder now joining Real Madrid, the need for a player of Rodri’s profile in the centre of the park has been addressed, at least in the short term.

Mourinho’s midfield rebuild, which already includes the expected return of Nico Paz, now has Bernardo Silva as its marquee addition, leaving no room or appetite for a move of the scale and complexity that signing Rodri would require.

What happens with Rodri now

With Real Madrid out of the picture, the ball is firmly back in Rodri’s court regarding his own future.

Manchester City have a new contract proposal on the table for the midfielder, and it is now up to him to decide whether to commit to an extension or run down his current deal, which would allow him to leave as a free agent in 2027.