Real Madrid’s Rodri move enters uncertain territory as Manchester City stand firm

Real Madrid’s expected deal for Rodri is facing serious difficulties, with Manchester City refusing to back away from their £60m-equivalent valuation of the Ballon d’Or winner, according to Catalan newspaper Sport.

The Spanish club had initially believed the transfer would be straightforward, much like its pursuit of Ousmane Diomande. However, negotiations over both players have proved more complicated than expected.

Sport reports that Manchester City have followed a clear negotiating strategy by setting a price they have no intention of reducing. The Premier League club are under no financial pressure to sell Rodri and would be prepared to keep him until his contract expires and he leaves for free in 2027.

City are seeking €70m for the midfielder, although they would accept part of that figure in performance-related add-ons. The club’s position is that it will not move from that valuation.

“Manchester City’s strategy in sales has always been clear: any player who wants to leave is allowed to do so, but only if the financial offer is satisfactory for the club,” Sport reported.

The newspaper cited Barcelona’s experience in the transfer of Eric Garcia as an example of City’s approach. Barcelona ultimately had to wait until Garcia left Manchester City as a free agent, while several attempts to sign Bernardo Silva were also rejected.

Rodri has already asked to leave Manchester City and is now waiting for Real Madrid to meet the English club’s financial demands. City consider the €70m fee fair compensation for a player who has won the Ballon d’Or.

Real Madrid had reportedly expected the transfer to be completed within 48 hours. The club now understands that the negotiations are likely to take longer and that the outcome is no longer as certain as it had initially appeared, according to Sport.

The midfielder has reached a full understanding with Real Madrid and is expected to do everything possible to complete the move. However, his strong relationship with Manchester City means he is approaching the negotiations carefully.

Rodri had believed that City’s valuation would be lower, but Real Madrid’s urgency and current squad requirements could threaten a transfer that once appeared close to completion.

At the same time, Manchester City are negotiating to sign Moroccan midfielder Ayoub Bouaddi from Lille. Bouaddi is described as one of the discoveries of the 2026 World Cup.

There is no final agreement for Bouaddi at this stage, although expectations are that he could sign in the coming weeks. His arrival would not necessarily signal Rodri’s departure.

Instead, Sport says the potential signing is linked to the future of Mateo Kovacic, who does not feature in the plans of manager Enzo Maresca. The report therefore presents Bouaddi’s possible arrival as a separate midfield change rather than evidence that City are preparing to replace Rodri.

Real Madrid’s interest in Rodri remains strong, but Manchester City’s refusal to compromise has changed the balance of the negotiations. The Spanish club must now decide whether to meet the €70m demand or risk waiting for a more favourable opportunity in the future.