Real Madrid are working on a deal to sign Manchester City midfielder Rodri, according to The Athletic. Discussions between the clubs have not yet taken place, but Madrid are confident an agreement can be reached and are planning on the Spain international joining this summer.Rodri, 30, has entered the final year of his City contract, although the Premier League club remain in talks over an extension and still hope he will be part of Enzo Marescas squad for the 2026-27 campaign.Madrid had insisted throughout the summer that Rodri was not a target, but their stance changed after his performances at the World Cup, where he played a key role in Spains triumph and won the Golden Ball.If the move goes through, Rodri would become the latest high-profile departure from City following Pep Guardiolas exit after a decade in charge. John Stones and Bernardo Silva have also left this summer, with Silva joining Madrid after his contract expired.Rodri started all eight of Spains matches as they won back-to-back major tournaments, having also lifted Euro 2024, but he is now set to undergo surgery on a back problem, with no return date confirmed.Rodri wants Spain returnSpeaking during Spains international camp in March, Rodri admitted he would like to return to La Liga one day and would not rule out joining Real Madrid despite beginning his career with city rivals Atletico.Would I like to play in Spain again, in La Liga, in Madrid? I would like to return, yes, obviously, he said.Having played for Atletico before would not prevent me from playing for Real Madrid. Other players have done that before, even if not directly.You cant turn down one of the worlds best clubs.Rodri returned from a serious ACL injury in May 2025 and made 33 appearances during the 2025-26 season, although hamstring and groin problems disrupted his campaign.City have already strengthened in midfield this summer by signing Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for �116m and are also pushing to bring in Lille youngster Ayyoub Bouaddi.Asked about Rodris future during his first press conference as City manager, Maresca dismissed the speculation.Around big players there is always speculation, he said.Im not worried because its normal. He has just won the World Cup, was one of the best players there and every manager wants someone like Rodri.But now he needs surgery, then a holiday, then time to recover. After that, he will be back with us. Topics Manchester City F.C. Real Madrid CF Rodri Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Every manager wants to have Rodri City boss Maresca addresses Real Madrid speculation Nicholas McGee 24th July, 2026 Elliot Anderson labels City Kings of Manchester after sealing �116m move Nicholas McGee 23rd July, 2026 2026 Transfer window: What are the five biggest deals of the summer? Mitch Fretton 24th July, 2026 Leeds in talks with Manchester City over James Trafford transfer as Newcastle cool interest Mitch Fretton 23rd July, 2026 Valverde hails special person Mourinho as Real Madrid captain targets end to trophy drought Nicholas McGee 22nd July, 2026 BREAKING: Phil Foden signs new four-year contract at Manchester City Jon Fisher 22nd July, 2026
