Manchester City midfielder Rodri has re-emerged as a serious transfer target for Real Madrid, with influential figures inside the Spanish club now actively driving a move despite reservations from president Florentino Perez, according to a report.
Spanish journalist Rodra, from ESPN, reports that the European champions have again placed the Spain international “firmly” on their midfield reinforcement shortlist for the summer window, after his name had previously been all but ruled out by the club hierarchy.
The change in stance is being led from within the upper management of Real Madrid. Chief executive Jose Angel Sanchez and head of scouting Juni Calafat are said to be spearheading internal efforts to explore a deal for the Manchester City star, viewing him as a genuine option to strengthen Carlo Ancelotti’s squad.
Perez cautious over Rodri fitness – but influence said to be waning
Despite the renewed push, Perez is understood to have doubts about sanctioning a move for the 28-year-old, largely due to concerns over the player’s recent injury record and the risk of further setbacks.
The report stresses that the Real Madrid president’s scepticism centres on fears Rodri could suffer new physical problems, particularly as he prepares for a minor back operation. However, it adds that Perez’s grip on transfer decision-making this summer is less absolute than in previous years.
Rodra notes that “Perez previously turned down the idea of signing Portuguese star Bernardo Silva in May, but the deal went through. He also only became aware of the Marc Cucurella transfer after the agreement with the player had already been reached.”
Those examples are presented as evidence that the president’s preferences are no longer always decisive, with senior executives and the sporting department increasingly shaping the club’s recruitment strategy.
Minor back surgery planned for World Cup 2026 best player
Rodri, a key figure for both Manchester City and the Spanish national team, is preparing to undergo what has been described as a simple surgical procedure to address ongoing back pain.
According to the same report, the issue is not considered serious and the operation is precautionary in nature, aimed at resolving discomfort rather than treating a major injury.
The midfielder’s status in the game remains high. Rodra highlights that the Spain star was named the best player at the 2026 World Cup, underlining his influence on the international stage as well as at club level. That recognition has reinforced the view among some in Madrid that, if fit, he could provide a long-term solution at the base of their midfield.
Strategic move in a changing Real Madrid hierarchy
Any attempt to prise Rodri away from Manchester City would likely be complex and expensive, given his central role in Pep Guardiola’s system and his standing as one of the Premier League club’s most important players.
However, the renewed interest from Real Madrid reflects a broader shift behind the scenes at the Bernabeu, where the balance of power in transfer planning appears to be tilting towards Sanchez, Calafat and the scouting department.
With midfield succession planning already a priority for the Spanish champions, the internal debate over Rodri – between medical caution and sporting ambition – is set to be one of the most closely watched transfer storylines of the summer.
