Rodri tells Man City he wants Real Madrid move

Fresh off captaining Spain to victory at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Rodri has informed Manchester City that he wants to leave the club and join Real Madrid, according to multiple reports. The 30-year-old midfielder, who won the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player after Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in extra time, is now at the center of one of the summer's most consequential transfer sagas.fifa+1

Real Madrid Close on Personal Terms

Real Madrid are actively working to bring Rodri to the Santiago Bernabéu, with reports indicating that the club already has the player's approval and that personal terms are close to being agreed. However, formal club-to-club negotiations with Manchester City have not yet begun. According to Radio MARCA journalist Sergio Valentin, Real Madrid informed Rodri after the World Cup that they would try to sign him, and the midfielder wants to make the move.facebook+3

The pursuit gained momentum after Rodri's commanding World Cup performances reportedly shifted the stance of Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez, who had previously been reluctant to pursue the deal. Head coach José Mourinho is said to be keen on adding Rodri to his squad. Real Madrid are reportedly prepared to offer a contract running until 2030.teamtalk+4

A Long-Building Saga

Rodri's desire to return to Spain has been an open secret for months. In March, he told Spanish media he "could not turn down the best clubs in the world" and confirmed he had just one year remaining on his Manchester City contract. Pep Guardiola said at the time that he "understands completely" if Rodri wants to join Real Madrid. The player then postponed all contract discussions until after the World Cup.nytimes+4

His father told ESPN in February that Rodri was "very comfortable" at City but that his future remained unwritten. Manchester City offered a contract extension, but Rodri has not signed it.youtube+2

PSG and Barcelona Enter the Frame

The race for Rodri's signature has widened. Paris Saint-Germain have contacted Manchester City to inquire about transfer conditions, while Barcelona have also expressed interest. Atlético Madrid, Rodri's former club, have reportedly joined the pursuit as well. Manchester City's dilemma is stark: sell now for a fee or risk losing a world-class asset for nothing when his contract expires in 2027. City have publicly maintained that Rodri is not for sale, but with the player's preference made clear and multiple suitors circling, the club's hand may be forced before the transfer window closes.gamereactor+4