Manchester City midfielder Rodri has informed the Premier League champions that he wants to join Real Madrid this summer, according to reports in Spain and England.
English journalist Ben Jacobs says the Spain international has made clear to senior figures at City that a move to the Bernabeu is now his preferred option in the current transfer window, citing both sporting and family reasons.
City are described as determined to keep the 28-year-old and are not actively looking to sell, but club officials are said to be braced for an official bid from Real Madrid in the coming period.
Rodri is not expected to sign a new contract with City, Jacobs reports, with a transfer to Real Madrid understood to be the player’s top priority for this window.
Real Madrid step up interest
Real Madrid’s pursuit of Rodri has intensified following his performances at the 2026 World Cup, where he was regarded as one of the standout members of the Spain side that went on to win the tournament.
His displays at the heart of Spain’s midfield – controlling the tempo, breaking up opposition attacks and initiating moves – have reportedly strengthened the conviction within Real Madrid that he is the ideal candidate to reinforce their central areas.
Inside the Bernabeu, decision-makers are said to view Rodri as the perfect long-term solution in midfield, fitting both the tactical profile and the level of experience they are seeking.
Contract situation at Manchester City
Rodri is currently under contract at Manchester City until the summer of 2027, a deal that puts the English champions in a strong position in any negotiations.
Despite that, the suggestion that he is unwilling to extend his agreement and is prioritising a switch to La Liga places the focus on whether Real Madrid are prepared to meet City’s valuation and whether the Premier League club are ready to consider a sale.
No figures have been disclosed and there is no indication in the reports that talks between the clubs have formally begun, only that City expect Real Madrid to formalise their interest.
The emerging situation around Rodri comes amid a wider summer transfer market in which Real Madrid are seeking to refresh their squad while competing with other major European clubs for leading targets.
While Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool are mentioned in separate reports as being active in their own high-profile pursuits, those developments are distinct from the Rodri story and do not directly affect his potential move.
For now, Rodri remains a Manchester City player, but with Real Madrid’s interest growing and the Spaniard’s stance reportedly communicated to his current club, his future is likely to be a central talking point as the transfer window progresses.
