Manchester City set Rodri price amid Real Madrid interest

Manchester City have reportedly placed an 80 million euro valuation on Rodri, a figure that could complicate any move for the Spain midfielder as interest builds around Europe. Real Madrid are understood to be the club Rodri wants to join, but Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain have also been linked.

Rodri’s future in focus

Rodri’s standing in the game helps explain why his situation has become one of the most closely watched stories on the market. The 30-year-old is described in the source material as captain of the national team that are world and European champions, while also having been recognised as the best player at this year’s World Cup and at Euro 2024. He was also the Ballon d’Or winner two years ago.

That profile makes his contract position especially significant. Rodri’s current deal with Manchester City is due to expire in 11 months, and the source states that he is not interested in extending the agreement he signed four years ago.

Real Madrid seen as preferred destination

According to the source material, Rodri wants to move to Real Madrid. The midfielder is said to want to live in Madrid and is waiting for the club to make an offer as he considers his future in the Spanish capital.

A switch to the Bernabeu would represent a return to his home city. Rodri was born in Madrid and spent six years in Atletico Madrid’s academy. He also played for Atletico’s first team in the 2018/19 season before joining Manchester City for 70 million euros.

Reports had suggested recently that his future could indeed lie at Santiago Bernabeu, but the picture is not straightforward.

City’s asking price raises the stakes

The key issue appears to be Manchester City’s valuation. Citing information carried by Mundo Deportivo, the source says Rodri’s camp believe City would demand 80 million euros from Real Madrid. That is a substantial figure for a 30-year-old player who could be free to sign with any club in a matter of months.

The same report says Florentino Perez had expected the cost of signing the Spain captain to be no more than 50 to 60 million euros. That lower range is described as the likely starting point for any negotiations, although the source also notes that talks between City and Real Madrid have not yet begun.

Barcelona and PSG also monitoring situation

Real Madrid are not the only club mentioned. Barcelona have reportedly entered the race in response to Frenkie de Jong’s serious injury, while Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain are also said to be interested in the midfielder.

Whether City’s valuation proves enough to deter those clubs remains unclear. What is certain from the current reporting is that Rodri’s contract status, his preference for Madrid and City’s high asking price have combined to create one of the most intriguing situations involving an elite midfielder.

• Rodri’s Manchester City contract expires in 11 months.
• He is not interested in extending his current deal, according to the source.
• Real Madrid are described as his preferred destination.
• Barcelona and PSG are also credited with interest.
• Manchester City are reported to want 80 million euros.