Spain captain Rodri’s club future has been thrown wide open after his World Cup-winning exploits, with Real Madrid now seriously weighing up a move for the Manchester City midfielder as his contract at the Etihad enters its final year.
The 30-year-old played a decisive role in Spain’s triumph at the 2026 World Cup on Sunday, helping La Roja defeat Argentina 1-0 in the final. His performances earned him the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player – and, according to reports in Spain, have prompted a dramatic rethink in the Real Madrid boardroom.
Transfer specialist Matteo Moretto reports that Real Madrid have substantially changed their stance on Rodri since the World Cup, having previously been reluctant to pursue the midfielder.
Real Madrid power brokers split over Rodri
Moretto says sections of the Real Madrid hierarchy are now actively exploring the possibility of signing Rodri, who is understood to be open to joining the 15-time European champions and playing at the Santiago Bernabeu rather than extending his lucrative deal with Manchester City.
Some board members at the Bernabeu are said to be working behind the scenes to understand whether an agreement could be reached with the player, who has been central to Manchester City’s recent domestic and European dominance under Pep Guardiola.
However, any move will ultimately hinge on the position of club president Florentino Perez, whose approval is essential for any major transfer.
Perez concerns over age, cost and status
The report stresses that Perez has previously rejected the idea of signing Rodri, factoring in his age, established status in the game and the likely transfer fee involved.
At 30, Rodri does not fit the typical profile of Real Madrid’s recent big signings, with Perez having largely prioritised younger talents with long-term resale value. A deal for a World Cup-winning, Golden Ball midfielder of his stature would almost certainly command a substantial fee and salary package.
Those reservations had previously cooled Real’s interest, but the scale of Rodri’s impact in leading Spain to the 2026 World Cup title appears to have shifted the internal debate at the club.
Contract ticking down at Manchester City
The uncertainty in Madrid comes at a time when Rodri’s situation at Manchester City is also unresolved. Previous reports have indicated that the midfielder has not yet committed to a contract extension, with only one year remaining on his current deal.
That looming deadline has fuelled speculation that this summer could be the pivotal moment in his club career – either to sign fresh terms at the Etihad Stadium or to pursue a new challenge.
With his World Cup success and individual accolade elevating his standing even further, Rodri is now one of the most coveted midfielders in world football.
If Real Madrid decide to act and Manchester City accept that a renewal may not be forthcoming, the coming weeks could see one of the most significant transfers of the summer – and a potential power shift in European football’s midfield battleground.
