Jose Mourinho targets Manchester City’s Rodri as blockbuster Real Madrid return signing | OneFootball

Manchester City’s Rodri has emerged as a top transfer target for Jose Mourinho ahead of his managerial return to Real Madrid, as per reports.

Even though speculations linking him with a move to the Santiago Bernabeu have been ongoing for a while, the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner’s future is now a major talking point across Europe as approaches the final year of his contract at the Etihad Stadium.

Meanwhile, conflicting reports have also surfaced, suggesting that negotiations between Manchester City and the Spaniard over a possible extension to his current contract are underway.

While addressing questions about his future amid such claims, Rodri clarified that he is currently ‘only thinking about finishing the season with as many titles as possible’.

Report: Mourinho to ask Real to ‘do everything’ to sign Rodri

Several reports this week have suggested that Mourinho has agreed to return to Real Madrid ahead of the summer transfer window, with an official announcement expected after the Spanish giants’ final game of the campaign against Athletic Bilbao this weekend, according to Sky Sports.

The Benfica head coach, who completed the Primeira Liga season with an unbeaten run, told a press conference on Sunday that his “future should be decided this week”.

“My future should be decided this week,” Mourinho said. “I have a proposal from Benfica. I don’t have a proposal from Real Madrid.

“At the same time, I was saying that to hide that there is nothing, we cannot do that – there is something but not with me directly.”

“I need time, I need space, I need time to make my decision and this week, I think is going to be very important.”

Now, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke, Mourinho is keen on bringing Rodri to Santiago Bernabeu this summer and is expected to ask Real Madrid president Florentino Perez “to do everything he possibly can to try and sign” the midfielder.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, O’Rourke said: “If Jose Mourinho wants Rodri for his new look Real Madrid, I’m sure he will ask the president Florentino Perez to do everything he possibly can to try and sign Rodri.

“It’s obviously not going to be easy because Manchester City do not want to lose such a key player as Rodri.”

The 29-year-old, who missed the majority of the last season after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament, has struggled with injuries again this term but has managed to play a key role in helping his side win the FA Cup and Carabao Cup double.

He has been absent from 27 matches across competitions for club and country this campaign due to various injuries, according to Transfermarkt.

However, the Villarreal academy graduate’s quality on the pitch at full fitness remains undeniable, explaining Real Madrid’s interest in acquiring his signature.

Rodri has started in 26 out of his 33 appearances across all competitions for Manchester City this season, netting two goals.

Are Man City willing to part ways with Rodri?

In March, Rodri made headlines by admitting in a radio interview with Onda Cero that he wishes to return to the Spanish top-flight in the future.

“Even though I’ve played for Atleti (Atletico Madrid), (Real) Madrid isn’t a closed door for me – you can’t turn your back on the best clubs. I would like to return to the Spanish league, I still follow it,” he said.

In April, Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola backed his statement, claiming no player would turn down a chance to play for Los Blancos, whilst adding that he would want the Ballon d’Or winner to stay put at the Etihad Stadium.

“No, always my wish, my wish, is that Rodri could stay as much longer as possible in this club because he’s an incredible player, a top player, but life for everyone is everyone,” Guardiola said on Rodri’s future.

However, Guardiola will leave Manchester City as manager after Sunday’s Premier League finale against Aston Villa as Enzo Maresca waits in the wings to take over from his former boss on the touchline at the Etihad Stadium.

Rodri’s decision on where he will be playing his football next season will depend on contract talks with City, who are understood to have made progress in offering the midfielder fresh terms beyond 2027.

What’s next for Rodri and Manchester City?

As Rodri’s future at the club remains uncertain, City are set to bid goodbye to veterans Bernardo Silva and John Stones against Aston Villa on Sunday at the Etihad Stadium – a day that will also see Guardiola mark his final match in charge as Manchester City manager.

These changes are expected to prompt a busy time for the Blues in the upcoming transfer window, which will see Maresca work with sporting director Hugo Viana to rebuild the Manchester City first-team to challenge for the Premier League and UEFA Champions League titles next term.

A new contract for Rodri at City will likely contain an exit clause that could offer the Spaniard an amicable route away from Manchester in the future, should Real Madrid or another suitor come to the negotiating table with an offer that meets City’s expectations.