Rodri transfer saga: Barcelona and PSG enter race as Real Madrid lead chase for Manchester City star

Real Madrid remain in pole position to sign Manchester City midfielder Rodri, despite fresh moves from Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain to challenge for the Spain international’s signature this summer.

According to French outlet RMC, PSG have formally approached Manchester City to ask about the conditions required to sign Rodri in the current transfer window. The contact marks the French champions’ first concrete step in what is rapidly becoming one of the headline transfer battles of the summer.

PSG had not initially prioritised recruiting a central midfielder, but Rodri’s contractual situation has altered their plans. His current deal with City is due to expire at the end of next season, and the prospect of a player of his stature entering the final year of his contract is viewed in Paris as a rare opportunity that justifies a late change in strategy.

Real Madrid ahead after personal terms agreed

While PSG are only now testing the waters with City, Real Madrid are described as being further advanced in their pursuit of the 28-year-old. The Spanish giants have already reached an agreement with Rodri on personal terms, leaving negotiations with Manchester City as the final hurdle.

No deal has yet been struck between the clubs, and City’s stance is expected to be decisive. However, the understanding between Rodri and Real Madrid on salary and contract length means the European champions are still seen as frontrunners for his signature.

Reports indicate Madrid may need to sell at least one midfielder to create space in the squad and to help finance the move. That potential outgoing would be in addition to their existing intention to recruit a new attacking winger during the same transfer window, placing further emphasis on careful financial and squad planning at the Bernabeu.

Barcelona move after De Jong injury

Barcelona have also entered the picture, turning to Rodri as they seek to reinforce their midfield ahead of the new season. The Catalan club made contact with the player’s representatives after an injury to Netherlands international Frenkie de Jong, which has disrupted their plans for the start of the campaign.

The injury to De Jong has increased the urgency for Barcelona to bring in a high-level central midfielder, and Rodri is viewed as a player capable of immediately strengthening the side. However, with both Real Madrid and PSG also pushing for a deal, Barcelona face a major challenge to persuade both the player and Manchester City.

Manchester City determined to keep key midfielder

Manchester City, for their part, are intent on keeping Rodri and have been working to convince him to sign a new contract. The Premier League champions consider him fundamental to their project and remain reluctant to sanction a sale this summer.

City are described as being prepared to keep Rodri until the end of his current deal, even if that means risking his departure on a free transfer next year. The club would prefer to lose him without a fee in 12 months’ time rather than accept a transfer in the current window that they feel does not reflect his importance.

Rodri’s profile has only grown further following his performances on the international stage. His name has been heavily linked with Real Madrid for several months, and speculation intensified significantly after he was crowned best player at the 2026 World Cup.

With Real Madrid leading the chase, PSG making their first official enquiries and Barcelona attempting to respond to De Jong’s injury, the coming weeks are likely to determine whether Manchester City succeed in keeping one of their most influential players or whether Europe’s midfield landscape is reshaped by one of the summer’s biggest transfers.