Rodri is waiting on Manchester City and Real Madrid to sit down and talk. According to Italian journalist Matteo Moretto, personal terms between the player and Real Madrid are already close to agreed — but the two clubs haven’t started negotiating.
Moretto’s report, which has been picked up and corroborated across Spanish and English outlets this week, says Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez has shifted from blocking the move to being “much more open” to it. That’s a reversal from the position Madrid held in the weeks before Spain’s World Cup final.
Real Madrid and Rodri are described as close to a personal-terms agreement in principle — but no club-to-club talks have begun, per Matteo Moretto.
Rodri, 30, has one year left on his Manchester City contract, which runs to 2027. That gives City real leverage: they can extend him, sell him this summer for a fee, or risk losing him for nothing in a year. Sky Sports Germany’s Patrick Berger reported this week that Madrid have made a “final decision” to pursue the signing despite lingering questions over his fitness following the serious knee injury he suffered in September 2024.
Fee estimates vary widely by source — from around €50 million to figures as high as €100 million — reflecting how early this is in the process. Real Madrid have publicly pushed back on suggestions they’ve made a formal approach, and City’s stance so far has been one of resistance.
Rodri captained Spain to the 2026 World Cup title and was named Player of the Tournament, form that multiple reports — including L’Équipe and TEAMtalk’s Graeme Bailey — say directly reopened Madrid’s interest after Pérez had previously balked at the transfer. Jose Mourinho, who took over at the Bernabéu this year, is said to want an experienced midfielder to anchor his side, and has pushed internally for the move.
Rodri has entered the final 12 months of his Manchester City deal, with the club yet to agree fresh terms.
For Enzo Maresca, the timing is awkward. City’s new manager is building his midfield around Rodri, and a departure this summer — rather than next, as previously assumed — would force an in-window rebuild rather than a planned one. City are reportedly bracing for offers rather than actively shopping him.
Sources cited across Football Insider, Sky Sports Germany and L’Équipe agree on one point: as of July 24, no formal talks have taken place between Manchester City and Real Madrid.
What happens next depends entirely on City. Personal terms being close is one hurdle cleared; agreeing a fee with a club under no obligation to sell is another. Madrid have Rodri’s blessing. They still need City’s signature.
FAQ
Is Rodri leaving Manchester City? No transfer has been agreed. Reports say personal terms with Real Madrid are close, but Manchester City haven’t opened formal negotiations, and Rodri remains under contract until 2027.
Why does Real Madrid want Rodri now? Real Madrid’s interest accelerated after Rodri captained Spain to the 2026 World Cup and was named Player of the Tournament, reportedly changing club president Florentino Pérez’s previous reluctance.
How much would a Rodri transfer cost? Reported fee estimates vary widely, from roughly €50 million to as much as £100 million, reflecting how early the situation is and the lack of formal City-Madrid talks.
Does Rodri have a release clause? No release clause has been reported. Rodri is under contract at Manchester City until 2027, meaning any move this summer would require City’s agreement to sell.
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