Real Madrid expected to bid for Manchester City midfielder Rodri

By Sanjay Menon — 31 July 2026 — 3 min read

Real Madrid are anticipated to make an offer for Manchester City midfielder Rodri. The Spanish club is reportedly confident in securing a deal for the Spain international, who has one year remaining on his contract with Manchester City. Initial contact is believed to have been made between Real Madrid and Manchester City regarding the potential transfer of the World Cup-winning captain.

Reports suggest that Real Madrid could be prepared to offer between £43m and £51m (€50m–€60m) for Rodri. Another report indicates a potential fee of 40m to 50m euros (£34m–£43m). A deal could potentially be finalised following a meeting scheduled for Thursday.

City’s stance and player recovery

Despite Real Madrid‘s interest, Manchester City is not looking to sell Rodri. Instead, the club is hoping to secure a new long-term contract for their midfielder. City reportedly wants Rodri to be a key player in the new era under Enzo Maresca.

Rodri recently underwent back surgery on Monday and is currently in recovery. As a result, he is expected to miss the Community Shield and the opening Premier League fixture of the season. His absence could impact City‘s early season plans.

During his re-election as Real Madrid president, Florentino Perez faced criticism regarding the club’s perceived lack of representation in the Spain national team. This context may play a role in Real Madrid‘s pursuit of Rodri, a prominent figure in the Spanish squad.

Potential replacements and expert opinions

Manchester City is reportedly making progress on a deal for Lille and Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi. This move could be seen as a strategic acquisition for City, potentially preparing for future midfield options.

Football pundit Jamie Carragher expressed his view that Manchester City should not sell Rodri for the reported fee of £40m–£50m. He suggested that if City were to sell, the amount would not allow them to acquire a suitable replacement. Carragher highlighted Rodri‘s importance to the team, stating that he is among the best in his position in the Premier League and was crucial in Spain‘s World Cup victory.

Carragher also pointed out that City had previously paid £60m for Rodri. He argued that retaining Rodri for another year, even if it meant losing him on a free transfer later, would be a better option than selling him for a reduced fee. He further noted that Rodri‘s injury in a previous season had a significant impact on Manchester City‘s performance in the Premier League.

Another pundit, Laura Hunter, described Rodri as the most complete central midfielder in the Premier League over the past five years. She emphasised his role in City‘s strategy under Pep Guardiola, highlighting his ability to control games and set the tempo. Hunter suggested that there is no current player who can influence a game quite like Rodri, and noted that City‘s failure to retain their Premier League title in seasons affected by his injuries was not a coincidence.

Real Madrid has already signed Marc Cucurella from Chelsea this summer. The club’s focus now appears to be on securing Rodri as their next acquisition. The potential finalisation of a deal is expected after a meeting on Thursday.

Source: skysports.com