Updated: 29 Jul 2026 10:07 BST |
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Real Madrid have completed their U-turn over Manchester City midfielder Rodri and have opened transfer talks with the World Cup winner, Fabrizio Romano has announced.
Out of contract in 2027, Rodri has made it clear that his wish is to return to his homeland, but Madrid were dallying over a move due to doubts harboured by president Florentino Perez.
These have been pushed aside by manager Jose Mourinho, and Los Blancos have now approached the Premier League giants over a deal.
Rodri to Real Madrid: Fabrizio Romano announces the latest news
“The big update today is regarding Rodri,” Fabrizio Romano announced.
“What I can share is that Florentino Perez has given the green light to Real Madrid management and the most important people at the club to proceed with talks.
“Real Madrid have approached Manchester City for Rodri, with club-to-club talks starting over the last 12 hours.
“After contacts between Rodri, his agent and Real Madrid, we now have direct discussions between Real Madrid and Manchester City.”
Internal club politics were one of the reasons that Los Blancos were initially reticent to make a move. Enrique Riquelme, who challenged Perez for the presidency of the Bernabeu side, had named Rodri as one of his transfer targets should he have taken command, and this prompted the incumbent to swither over a deal.
“This is a big change compared to a few weeks ago. In the first weeks and final weeks of June, Florentino Perez’s idea was not to proceed with Rodri,” Romano added.
“The fact Rodri was mentioned as a candidate by Enrique Riquelme, who was also running for the Real Madrid presidency, was a factor according to sources, and Florentino Perez was not happy about that.
“However, Rodri’s fantastic work and the opportunity to improve Real Madrid’s midfield made Florentino change his mind.
“Important and influential people at Real Madrid’s board told Florentino this was an opportunity they had to explore.
“Now Real Madrid are in club-to-club talks with Manchester City and the deal is on.”
Real Madrid prepare first official offer
Although Real Madrid have opened negotiations, a deal still has a long way to becoming finalised, though the signs are they are prepared to come close to Rodri’s Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €65.8 million to get the deal over the line. Romano explained:
“Everything will depend on the money. Real Madrid indicated in the first contact with Manchester City that they are prepared to pay more than the reported €50m valuation.
“The first discussions are verbal rather than official proposals, also because of the relationship between the clubs.
“The understanding is that Real Madrid could go slightly above €50m, potentially around €60m, but we have to see how much Manchester City will ask.
“Manchester City are expected to request more because they believe other clubs could enter the race for Rodri.
“They are taking time to understand whether other teams will join the battle and have not provided a direct response yet.”
However, the player could yet have the decisive say.
“Don’t forget Rodri’s position. He is giving priority to Real Madrid and is extremely excited about the possibility of joining the club,” Romano confirmed.
“If another club wants to change the dynamic between Rodri and Real Madrid, it would require huge money or an incredible project.
“This summer has already shown how quickly situations can change. Real Madrid were completely out of the Bernardo Silva story before Jose Mourinho arrived and said they should move for him, and then they signed him.
“That is how the market works sometimes, and now Rodri is a similar situation.”
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