Manchester City have communicated a €75 million asking price for Rodri, according to a weekend report from Marca, as Real Madrid intensify their interest in the Spanish midfielder following the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The 30-year-old is entering the final year of his contract at the Etihad Stadium and has already rejected multiple offers to extend his stay with the reigning Premier League champions.
City's demand was made clear to the Spanish capital club in recent days, with the Ballon d'Or winner now seen as one of the most coveted players in Europe. Real Madrid president Florentino Perez had initially been cautious about sanctioning a move, but he eventually gave his approval after Spain's triumph at the World Cup in North America, according to Sport.
Why Rodri is pushing for a move
Rodri's reluctance to commit his future to Manchester City is understood to be linked, in part, to the departure of former manager Pep Guardiola, who left the club at the end of last season. The midfielder has also long harboured a desire to return to Spain for the latter stages of his career, with Real Madrid emerging as his preferred destination.
The former Atletico Madrid man has been a cornerstone of City's success since joining in 2019, winning multiple Premier League titles, a Champions League and the Club World Cup. His influence on the pitch has been immense, and losing him — even for €75 million — would represent a major shift for the club as they enter a new era under Guardiola's successor.
Perez gives green light, Mourinho pushes for speed
Real Madrid's interest has been no secret, but the club's hierarchy had remained cautious about meeting City's valuation. That caution was overcome after the World Cup, with Perez green-lighting the pursuit to avoid missing out on a player who could anchor their midfield for years to come. New Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho is reportedly impatient for the deal to be completed so Rodri can join the squad before the new campaign begins.
Mourinho, appointed this summer, sees Rodri as a key piece in his plans and wants the transfer wrapped up quickly. However, the player is currently on holiday following Spain's World Cup victory and is also recovering from a minor back surgery, which could delay his physical integration into the squad even if the clubs agree terms.
Rodri's World Cup heroics
Rodri played a central role in Spain's run to the World Cup title, delivering a series of commanding displays in midfield. He added a World Cup winners' medal and the Golden Ball — awarded to the tournament's best player — to an already decorated career that includes multiple individual and team honours.
His performances in North America only reinforced his status as one of the finest midfielders of his generation, and Real Madrid supporters are increasingly convinced that the asking price represents good value for a player of his calibre. The general sentiment among fans is that his arrival is a question of timing rather than whether it will happen at all.
Transfer momentum and wider implications
Rodri to Real Madrid is the top story in a summer that has seen several high-profile moves. Legit.ng previously analysed the top five transfers that could still happen as the window enters its decisive stage, with Rodri's switch topping the list after Perez agreed to proceed with the deal.
If the transfer goes through, it would mark one of the most significant moves of the year, sending a clear signal about City's changing priorities and Real Madrid's determination to build a new dynasty. With City demanding €75 million, the pressure is now on both clubs to finalise terms and on Rodri to complete his recovery in time to make an impact for his new team.
