Real Madrid make major transfer decision on Manchester City’s Rodri | OneFootball

Manchester City appear to be closing in on a firm decision taken by potential suitors Real Madrid when it comes to the future of star midfielder Rodri, according to reports.

The Spanish international has been arguably Pep Guardiola’s most trusted lieutenant during his time at the Etihad Stadium, anchoring the midfield and driving Manchester City to major honours both domestically and in Europe.

However, speculation surrounding his long-term future has steadily grown over recent months, particularly in the aftermath of a serious knee injury sustained during the 2024/25 season and ruling him for the majority of the campaign.

That injury – coupled with Rodri’s advancing age and high transfer valuation – has now led to shifting dynamics in the market, with sensational reports indicating that City officials might ‘seriously consider’ a sale in 2026 if an offer in the region of €65 million was submitted.

However, according to a new report from Defensa Central, there is a ‘growing consensus’ from the side of Real Madrid that the idea of signing Rodri should now be ‘abandoned’, due to the player’s transfer fee, age, and knock-on effects of his serious knee injury in 2024.

It is explained that the 29-year-old holds a market value of €110 million, and if he was to be 100 per cent fit, then the Spanish giants would be willing to lodge an official bid for the defensive midfielder.

As for the stance taken by Rodri himself, the report claims that the player’s priority is to play regularly again before reflecting on his future, and as such is not currently considering any imminent exit from the Etihad Stadium.

This latest development represents a notable shift in the ongoing narrative around Rodri’s future. While Real Madrid have been long-term admirers, the club’s focus may now move elsewhere, particularly given the widespread admiration for Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton.

For City, meanwhile, this reported stance from Spain will likely be a relief. Rodri remains integral to Guardiola’s tactical system, despite the midfielder continuing to battle fitness issues such as a hamstring problem sustained during the 0-1 win over Brentford earlier this month.

With Pep Guardiola already stressing caution over the midfielder’s muscular recovery and relying on options such as Nico González in the meantime, the reassurance of retaining Rodri long-term could bring much-needed stability to City’s evolving midfield structure.

Looking ahead, City’s main focus will be ensuring that Rodri regains full match sharpness ahead of the winter fixture schedule and returns to the level that made him one of Europe’s most dominant midfielders.