Transfer rumour · archive

Rodri to Real Madrid

This move fell through. Last report: Ben Jacobs, 7 August 2026.

Real Madrid and Manchester City are talking directly about Rodri, and for the first time in months there is real movement. City have set their asking price at €75m. Madrid's opening bids have stayed under €50m. Rodri himself has made his preference clear: he wants to go home, and personal terms are not expected to be a problem. The block on this move has been lifted from the Madrid side. What is left is a straightforward argument about money, with City reluctant to let a player of this profile leave cheaply while his contract still has time to run. The sourcing here is strong. Fabrizio Romano and Sky Sports News, both highly rated, have confirmed talks are underway, and Patrick Berger has laid out the exact numbers being discussed. Ben Jacobs, Graeme Bailey and Mario Cortegana all back up the direction of travel, noting personal terms are settled and City's preference to keep him absent a new deal. That is six credible voices converging on the same story within days of each other, which is about as corroborated as these things get. This looks like a strong chance rather than a coin toss. Rodri wants it, Madrid's hierarchy has cleared it, and City are negotiating rather than refusing outright. What holds it back is purely the fee gap: €75m against sub-€50m offers is still a wide canyon, and City's asking price has not moved. Close that gap and this gets done quickly. Rodri's own history offers a guide to how City value him. They paid Atlético €70m for him in 2019, so parting with him for anything close to that without a healthy premium would sting given his standing now. Mad

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