Real Madrid expect to sign Rodri this summer - David Ornstein

Updated: 24 Jul 2026 19:51 BST | 4 min read

Tom Weber | Writer

Multilingual sports writer who specialises in European football and American soccer.

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Real Madrid are already "operating on the basis" that Manchester City midfielder Rodri will join them this summer.

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The Spain international is fresh off a stunning World Cup campaign. Rodri, who was previously still feeling the effects of his ACL injury, was back to his best and claimed the Golden Ball as La Roja won the tournament.

It wasn't all straightforward for the 30-year-old, though, as it recently emerged that he has been dealing with a back issue that now requires surgery and will likely sideline him.

Current ETV

Rodri

DM, M (C)

Man City

Rodri

DM, M (C)

Man City

ETV Range

€59.2M - €72.4M

However, that has not stopped Real Madrid from deciding to pursue the midfielder. Florentino Perez previously vetoed a move for Rodri, but he appears to have now fully come around to the idea of signing him.

Reports in Germany have indicated that a "secret meeting" took place this week with the representatives of Rodri. The player is understood to be desperate to return to Spain and, specifically, to join Real Madrid.

Real Madrid expect to sign Rodri

And according to David Ornstein of The Athletic, Real Madrid are "operating on the basis" that the 30-year-old will arrive this summer, despite the fact that Man City do not want to sell.

The Cityzens have been trying to convince their superstar midfielder to sign a new contract, with his current terms set to expire next year. However, there has been no progress on that front because of the player's desire to go home.

Though there have been no formal club-to-club talks between Real Madrid and Man City, the LaLiga giants are now actively working on a deal for the Spain international.

Earlier on Friday, new Man City boss Enzo Maresca announced that he was looking forward to working with Rodri this season. "Around big players there is always speculation," the Italian said in response to the Real Madrid links.

"I’m not worried about that. I think it’s normal. Also because they won the World Cup, he was the best player or one of the best players. Every manager wants to have Rodri because he’s a top player.

"But now surgery on, I think, Monday. He needs a holiday. He needs to rest. He needs to recover, and then he will be back here with us."

However, whether he will indeed be "back" with Man City remains to be seen. The club are undergoing a major transition following the departure of Pep Guardiola after an era-defining decade at the Etihad.

Senior players John Stones and Bernardo Silva have already departed, and Rodri clearly feels that his time in Manchester has also come to a conclusion following the exit of the legendary manager.

Reports earlier this summer suggested that Man City would rather allow Rodri to run down his contract than sell him, but there appears to be little point in forcing him to stay if he has his heart set on returning to Spain.

This situation will likely accelerate in the coming days.