Real Madrid deal for Man City maestro in final stages despite Barcelona interference; could close for €65-75 million | OneFootball

According to journalist Sergio Valentin, Rodri’s move to Real Madrid is entering its final stages.

After weeks of negotiations, the Spanish international has agreed personal terms with the club, and the remaining obstacle is Manchester City’s search for a replacement before approving the transfer.

Rodri has chosen Real Madrid

According to the Spanish journalist, Rodri has made his intentions clear from the beginning.

Despite interest from clubs including Barcelona, PSG, and Bayern Munich, the midfielder has decided that if he leaves Manchester City this summer, it will only be to join Real Madrid.

The player’s determination has significantly simplified negotiations, with Los Blancos now understood to have reached an agreement on personal terms through his representatives.

If completed, Rodri is expected to sign a four-year contract, keeping him at the Santiago Bernabeu until after the 2030 World Cup, which will be hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco.

Move imminent. (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images)

The report claims Jose Mourinho played a key role in changing the course of the negotiations.

Following the Portuguese manager’s arrival, Real Madrid accelerated their pursuit of Rodri, identifying him as the ideal midfielder to lead the club’s next sporting project.

Manchester City need a replacement first

The transfer now depends on Manchester City’s ability to sign a successor. Their preferred replacement is Ayyoub Bouaddi, the highly rated Moroccan midfielder from Lille who impressed during the 2026 World Cup.

Manager Enzo Maresca sees the youngster as the long-term successor to Rodri in City’s midfield.

The Premier League champions are unwilling to sanction Rodri’s departure until Bouaddi’s arrival is secured.

Barcelona’s interest leads to nothing

Manchester City are said to have encouraged interest from other clubs, including Barcelona, in an attempt to create competition for Rodri’s signature. However, that strategy failed.

Not swayed by Barcelona interest. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Rodri has no intention of considering any destination other than Real Madrid, effectively removing Barcelona from the race before formal negotiations could develop.

Transfer fee expected between €65-75 million

With the player’s side of the deal settled, attention has shifted to the transfer fee.

According to the journalist, Real Madrid expect the final agreement to fall between €65 million and €75 million, a figure the club are prepared to pay for one of Europe’s premier midfielders.

Confidence is increasing inside Valdebebas. Real Madrid believe the agreement with Rodri is complete, the player remains fully committed to joining only the Spanish giants, and Manchester City are actively working to sign Bouaddi.

Should that final piece fall into place over the coming days, Rodri will be on the verge of becoming Real Madrid’s newest signing.