Rodri ‘approves’ Real Madrid transfer as Man City face summer dilemma

22 Jul 2026 10:00 CDT | 4 min read

Robin Bairner | Chief Editor

Accredited football journalist and editor covering the game since 2006

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Manchester City midfielder Rodri has ‘approved’ a summer transfer to Real Madrid fresh from his 2026 World Cup success with Spain.

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Rodri, 30, was one of the standouts of Luis de la Fuente’s side as they marched through the tournament undefeated before edging Argentina 1-0 after extra-time in the final.

With just one year left on his contract at Man City, there is speculation that the Spain star could leave this summer, particularly following the departure of Pep Guardiola at the end of last season.

Current ETV

Rodri

DM, M (C)

Man City

Rodri

DM, M (C)

Man City

ETV Range

€59.2M - €72.4M

Rodri ready to make Real Madrid – but are they ready to sign him?

Rodri has already given his green light to the deal, according to Matteo Moretto, who nevertheless says the deal is in doubt because of the hierarchy at the Bernabeu.

“Real Madrid already have Rodri’s approval to sign, and from a contractual standpoint, the parties are very close,” he reports on X.

“Florentino Perez is now showing that he is much more open to the possibility of signing him.

“There are still no negotiations underway with Manchester City.”

Serious doubts have been cast as to whether Madrid will pursue this move further, despite Rodri winning the Golden Ball Award as the World Cup’s best player.

COPE reporter Arantxa Rodriguez says: “Right now, Real Madrid's transfer activity is at a standstill. They’re not making any moves to sign Rodri.”

Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Rodri will seek to return to Spain but also played down the possibility of an immediate move.

“Real Madrid is a dream for Rodri. That's the reality,” he told the 'Here We Go' podcast.

“At the same time, at Real Madrid, the president, Florentino Perez, from what I'm hearing, is not convinced about proceeding with Rodri signing this summer. This is why, at the moment, Rodri at Real Madrid, despite so many speculations and rumours, has not developed, because the president, Florentino Perez, is not convinced about proceeding with Rodri.

“Then we have 40 days ahead in case Real Madrid will change their mind and will decide to proceed, we will let you know. But at the moment the reason why Rodri to Real Madrid is still not happening is because of Florentino Perez, is because of the president.”

© IMAGO - Rodri won the 2025 Ballon d'Or

Man City ‘pushing’ for Rodri to sign new deal

Real Madrid have long been linked with a midfield general in the mould of Rodri. Since Toni Kroos’ retirement after Euro 2024, Los Blancos have appeared rudderless in the heart of the field at times. The Spaniard is the type of player who is seen to be a long-awaited solution.

"I think Real Madrid's hopes of winning the European Cup again lie with Rodri," COPE's Ruben Martin explained.

They are unlikely to find City to be willing sellers. Although Enzo Maresca’s side have added Elliot Anderson to their ranks for the extravagant fee of €135m – a club record – as part of a lavish midfield overhaul, Rodri is still seen as a cornerstone of their side.

The Premier League side are still being linked with Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, who is likely to cost in excess of €100m, but they also offered their captain a new contract in April. He has yet to sign the deal, with a significant rift between the parties.

“There is no agreement over terms at the moment. There is still some distance about the salary and the details of the contract. But Man City still hope to reach an agreement with Rodri. So City are still pushing,” Romano confirmed.

Rodri has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €65.8m.