Real Madrid open Rodri talks with Manchester City | OneFootball

Real Madrid have taken the first concrete step in their pursuit of Rodri after opening discussions with Manchester City over a potential move for the Spain international.

According to Fabrizio Romano, initial verbal talks have now taken place between the two clubs following months of speculation surrounding the midfielder’s future.

The report adds that Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has personally approved the move after the club previously held back from making an approach.

Real Madrid are understood to be prepared to offer more than €50 million in an attempt to tempt Manchester City into negotiations.

Whether that figure will be enough remains highly doubtful.

Rodri is widely regarded as one of the finest holding midfielders in world football and remained a cornerstone of Manchester City’s side under Pep Guardiola.

The Spain international also reinforced his reputation during the 2026 World Cup, playing a key role as his country lifted the trophy for the first time since 2010.

Real Madrid’s admiration for the 30-year-old is nothing new.

The Spanish giants have tracked Rodri for several transfer windows and view him as an ideal addition to bring greater control, leadership and experience to the heart of midfield.

After months in which little progress was made, discussions have now begun for the first time.

Manchester City, however, are under no obvious pressure to sell one of their most influential players.

Rodri remains one of the leaders of the dressing room and continues to be regarded as integral to new manager Enzo Maresca’s plans for the coming campaign.

That places Real Madrid in a difficult negotiating position despite their renewed determination to strike a deal.

Any agreement is also expected to require a considerably higher fee than Madrid’s opening valuation given Rodri’s pedigree and importance to City.

The coming days will reveal whether Real Madrid are prepared to significantly increase their offer or whether Manchester City will make it clear the midfielder is not available.

For now, negotiations remain at an early stage.

Even so, Real Madrid’s decision to finally open direct talks represents the clearest indication yet that signing Rodri has become one of the club’s leading priorities before the transfer window closes.

Should the Spanish giants succeed, it would rank among the most eye-catching transfers of the summer and further strengthen a squad already expected to challenge for major honours under Jose Mourinho.