Rodri to Real Madrid? No bid yet as City await move

Rodri’s future is emerging as one of the major talking points of the final weeks of the summer window, but for now a move from Manchester City to Real Madrid remains at an early stage. Despite growing speculation, Fabrizio Romano has reported that City had not received any official enquiry from Real Madrid as of Monday evening.

Rodri’s stock has rarely been higher

The Spain midfielder is described in the source material as being in the middle of a golden period in his career. The 30-year-old was recognised as the most valuable player at the 2026 World Cup, where Spain went on to win the tournament, and he is also said to be among the favourites for this year’s Ballon d’Or.

That follows previous individual recognition after a season in which Spain won Euro 2024, underlining why any discussion around his next move carries such weight. Rodri is not simply another senior midfielder on the market; he is presented here as the captain of Spain and one of the most influential players in the game.

Real Madrid interest is clear, but no formal step yet

According to the source, Rodri wants to return to his home country and join Real Madrid. However, the key stage of the process has not yet been reached. Romano’s update makes that plain: before any transfer can be seriously discussed, there must be club-to-club talks between Real Madrid and Manchester City.

Those talks have not started. Romano states that Real Madrid have spoken with Rodri’s agents, but that is different from making a formal move. At present, the Spanish club still need internal approval before submitting an official offer, with Florentino Perez’s backing described as essential.

The report also says head coach Jose Mourinho has an important voice in these matters, but that the decisive green light must come from Perez before negotiations with City can begin.

Valuation gap may explain the delay

One reason for the lack of progress may be the difference in valuation. The source says Manchester City would want as much as 80 million euros for Rodri, while Real Madrid had expected the transfer to be completed for no more than 60 million euros.

That gap helps explain why Perez may be delaying the start of formal negotiations. With Rodri’s contract at City due to expire in 11 months, Madrid may feel there is room to resist City’s asking price. City, on the other hand, appear to be valuing the player in line with his status and recent achievements.

• Rodri has 11 months left on his Manchester City contract.
• Real Madrid have spoken with the player’s agents.
• Manchester City had received no official approach as of Monday evening.
• City are said to want 80 million euros, while Real Madrid had expected a lower fee.

One to watch in the closing weeks

Romano believes Rodri will be one of the central stories of the final five weeks of the summer transfer window. That feels a fair assessment given the player’s profile, his apparent desire to move, and Real Madrid’s long-standing ability to shape the market when a priority target becomes available.

There is also a wider context. The source notes that PSG have dropped out of the race for the Spain captain, narrowing the focus further onto whether Madrid decide to act. For now, though, the situation is defined less by what has happened than by what has not: no official contact, no formal offer, and no agreement between the clubs.

Until that changes, Rodri’s possible switch to Real Madrid remains a live possibility rather than an active deal.