Real Madrid open Rodri talks with Manchester City after giving green light to first bid

Real Madrid have formally opened negotiations with Manchester City over a move for Rodri, with club president Florentino Perez authorising an initial offer worth in excess of €50m for the Spain midfielder.

The European champions have held their first direct contacts with City’s hierarchy, according to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, with early discussions taking place verbally as the Spanish club explore whether a deal is feasible this summer.

Perez’s decision to move ahead represents a clear shift in Real Madrid’s stance on the 28-year-old, after months in which a transfer for the former Atletico Madrid player had effectively been ruled out within the Bernabeu boardroom.

Romano reports that Real Madrid have indicated a readiness to table a bid of more than €50m in an effort to break the deadlock and test City’s position on a player widely regarded as central to Pep Guardiola’s side.

Rodri now a top transfer priority

The change of direction follows Rodri’s outstanding performances with Spain and his role in winning the World Cup, which have elevated him to the status of Madrid’s leading transfer target for midfield.

Within the club, there is now a growing conviction that the Manchester City star is the ideal solution to strengthen the centre of the pitch, with his ability to dictate play and control the tempo seen as exactly what is required for the next phase of the team’s development.

Real Madrid view Rodri as a player who could anchor their midfield for years to come, offering composure in possession and strategic intelligence in big matches, attributes that have become increasingly valued inside the club’s Valdebebas training complex.

Contracted to City but keen on Spain return

Rodri is under contract at Manchester City until 2027, a situation that puts the English champions in a strong position should they decide to resist any attempts to sign him.

However, the player’s desire to return to Spain is considered a potentially significant factor in how his future may unfold, particularly with Real Madrid now actively working to bring him back to La Liga.

That personal preference, combined with Madrid’s growing determination to recruit him, is seen within the Spanish club as one of the few levers that might persuade City to engage seriously over a possible transfer.

Madrid want deal before City pre-season

Real Madrid are aiming to accelerate talks in the coming days, with the intention of reaching a broad agreement with Manchester City before Rodri reports back for pre-season training ahead of the new campaign.

The club believe that moving quickly could prevent the situation from becoming more complicated once Guardiola begins his final preparations for the season with the full squad available.

Inside Madrid, what began as admiration and tentative interest in Rodri has evolved into a strategic objective. Figures at Valdebebas are said to hold the midfielder in particularly high regard, viewing him as a natural leader in the centre of the pitch.

Mourinho backing for marquee signing

The idea of signing Rodri has also received the backing of head coach Jose Mourinho, who is understood to see the Spain international as a fundamental part of his new project at Real Madrid.

Mourinho considers Rodri a cornerstone figure who could provide balance, defensive security and build-up quality, helping to shape the tactical identity of his team in the coming seasons.

Real Madrid hope their opening approach will pave the way for more substantive negotiations with Manchester City and ultimately lead to what could become the club’s standout acquisition of the current summer transfer window.

For now, the Spanish giants have made their first move; the focus will turn to how Manchester City respond to interest in one of their most influential players.