Real Madrid working on deal to sign Manchester City’s Rodri | OneFootball

La Liga giants Real Madrid are now working on a deal to sign Manchester City and Spain international Rodri this summer.

The 30-year-old Ballon d’Or winning midfielder has long targeted an eventual move back to his home country towards the tail-end of his career, and the time for such a transfer could coincide with his City contract winding down.

Officials at Manchester City have long had a lucrative new contract on the table for the defensive midfielder, aiming to reward him for his achievements with one of the highest salaries within the club, however personal ambitions may prove decisive.

Despite initially being wary of a move for Rodri owing to his recent injury and fitness concerns, Real Madrid’s stance appears to have now altered and the club are moving with a decisiveness not seen prior to this stage.

Real Madrid working on the basis Rodri will join

According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein and Mario Cortegana, La Liga side Real Madrid are working on a deal to sign Manchester City and Spain international midfielder Rodri.

While it is highlighted that stage club-to-club talks have yet to take place at this stage, Los Blancos officials are set to be confident that an agreement can be reached and are operating on the basis that the midfielder will be joining the club this summer.

As for the side of Manchester City, Etihad Stadium officials are said to be remaining in dialogue with the midfielder over his future and are hopeful that he will be part of Enzo Maresca’s squad for the 2026/27 season.

How will Manchester City replace Rodri?

Hugo Viana and his City colleagues have already secured the signing of Nottingham Forest and England international Elliot Anderson for £116 million, with the 23-year-old expected to be utilised in a number of roles throughout midfield.

However, with Bernardo Silva leaving, and further doubts concerning the likes of Mateo Kovacic, Tijjani Reijnders, and Nico Gonzalez, there is a clear requirement for further reinforcement, particular amid serious doubts regarding Rodri.

One name believed to be a target for Manchester City is Lille and Morocco’s 18-year-old sensation Ayyoub Bouaddi, although it remains to be seen whether the French club’s €100 million valuation and desire to retain him for the 2026/27 season proves to be prohibitive.