Rodri agrees personal terms with Real Madrid as Man City exit nears | OneFootball

Manchester City are moving closer towards seeing one of their greatest-ever midfielders leave the Etihad Stadium this summer.

Rodri has been one of the defining figures of City’s most successful era, making close to 300 appearances since a £62.6 million move from Atletico Madrid in 2019 and establishing himself as arguably the finest defensive midfielder in world football.

Now 30-years-old, the Spaniard heads into a new season with one year remaining on his current contract, which runs until the summer of 2027 – a detail that has shaped the dynamics of any transfer negotiation.

Interest from Real Madrid is not new, although Los Blancos have previously been put off by City’s valuation of the midfielder. However, with Rodri’s deal moving into its final 12 months, the Spanish side believe a reduced fee is now more realistic.

The situation also arrives at a moment of transition at the Etihad Stadium, with Enzo Maresca – who returned to the club this summer to succeed Pep Guardiola – inheriting a squad already facing questions over its long-term midfield composition.

Rodri moves closer to Real Madrid transfer

Now, according to the information of journalist Matteo Moretto, Rodri is currently waiting for Real Madrid and Manchester City to reach an agreement on a transfer fee.

It is revealed that the Spanish international midfielder has already reached an agreement with officials at Real Madrid on contractual terms at the Bernabeu.

What happens next for Rodri, Real Madrid, and Man City?

Rodri’s situation is complicated by fitness with the World Cup winner set to undergo back surgery, with no firm timeline yet given for his return – a factor that could influence how quickly, if at all, City are willing to negotiate a sale.

His form for Spain at the recent North America-based tournament, and the individual recognition that came with it, will only have sharpened Real Madrid’s resolve, even as it strengthens City’s case for holding out for a fee closer to their top-level valuation.

For Enzo Maresca, sanctioning the departure of a player many still regard as City’s most important risks destabilising a significant rebuild, while refusing to sell now hands Real Madrid the chance to simply wait and sign Rodri for free next summer.