Real Madrid is working on a deal to bring Manchester City’s Rodri back to Spanish football this summer. Rodri’s contract with City runs through 2027, giving the English club enormous leverage. The figure being floated sits around €50 million, though speculative estimates have ranged as high as £80 to £100 million.

The state of play

As of late July 2026, no formal negotiations between the two clubs have taken place. Real Madrid has publicly denied making an official approach to Manchester City, pushing back against what it characterizes as unfounded speculation.

The catalyst for Real Madrid’s interest appears to be Spain’s victory in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Rodri’s role in that tournament reportedly convinced Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez to reverse a previous stance against pursuing the midfielder.

Rodri, now 30, has been at Manchester City since arriving from Atlético Madrid in 2019. He won the Ballon d’Or in 2024, cementing his status as the best midfielder on the planet.