Should Manchester City stand their ground when dealing with Real Madrid? | OneFootball

Rodri underwent back surgery on Monday to help alleviate a minor back issue. The Manchester City midfielder will undergo a short period of rehabilitation while also enjoying his time off after Spain’s successful 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign. While Rodri is currently on holiday, Real Madrid are pushing to sign the Ballon d’Or-winning midfielder this summer. A new report has indicated what La Liga giants are prepared to pay to sign Manchester City’s midfield general. However, what Real Madrid looks to be willing to pay to sign Rodri looks to be woefully inadequate.

In this instance, is it time for Manchester City to stand up to Real Madrid? It could well be as the 15-time UEFA Champions League winners are attempting to sign an integral member of Enzo Maresca’s squad.

Real Madrid are reportedly to bid over €50 million to sign Rodri.

Fabrizio Romano has reported that Real Madrid have approached Manchester City over the possibility of signing Rodri. Furthermore, Romano reports that verbal negotiations have taken place between the two clubs. Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has given his approval to move for Rodri and the La Liga giants are reportedly set to bid over €50 million to sign Manchester City’s midfield general.

Manchester City have to stand their ground and only sell Rodri on their terms if they do at all.

On first glance, an offer of €50 million, or just over from Real Madrid for Rodri would be woefully inadequate. Yes, Rodri is 30 years old, and only has 12 months remaining on his current contract. Also, he has only just returned to full fitness, after an injury-plagued past two seasons. However, Rodri is crucial to Manchester City. He remains one of their most important players and he is a leader and inspirational figure for his team. Real Madrid’s reported offer of around, or above, €50 million does seem to be unacceptable for who they are trying to sign.

In this instance, Manchester City must stand their ground despite Rodri’s wish to return to Spain and Real Madrid’s interest in signing him. If City have a price that they will sell Rodri for, Real Madrid have to meet it. There is no middle ground to be found in this scenario. Or, City can hold Rodri to the final 12 months of his contract. This is a valid option also given how integral he is to Enzo Maresca’s side.

Whatever happens in terms of Real Madrid’s bid to sign Rodri, you sense that Manchester City simply must stand their ground. They cannot afford to allow Rodri to leave for below whatever price tag they have placed on him. That is counter-productive and it is up to Real Madrid to satisfy Manchester City’s demands. It isn’t on City to cater to them or Rodri’s wishes in this scenario.