Real Madrid remain in pole position to sign Manchester City midfielder Rodri, but their efforts to secure the Spain international have been complicated by late moves from Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, according to reports in France.
The long-running speculation over Rodri’s future intensified after he was named Best Player at the 2026 World Cup, a tournament that significantly boosted his profile and fuelled expectations of a major transfer this summer.
French outlet RMC reported on Saturday that Paris Saint-Germain have now made an official approach to explore a deal, contacting Manchester City to ask about the conditions required to sign the 28-year-old during the current transfer window.
The report states that PSG had not initially targeted a central midfielder this summer. However, with Rodri’s contract at Manchester City due to expire at the end of next season, club executives in Paris see an unexpected opportunity to recruit a player of his calibre and have opened negotiations to assess the feasibility of a move.
Real Madrid still leading the race
Despite PSG’s intervention, Real Madrid are understood to be ahead in the race for Rodri’s signature. The Spanish club have already reached an agreement with the player over personal terms, leaving negotiations with Manchester City as the final hurdle.
Real Madrid must now find a way to convince the Premier League champions to sell, a task complicated by City’s determination to keep one of their most influential players. Any agreement would also need to fit within Real Madrid’s broader squad planning and financial framework.
Reports suggest that while Real Madrid remain optimistic, they may have to offload at least one midfielder to create space in the squad and help fund the transfer. That consideration comes as the club also looks to bring in a new attacking winger during the same summer window.
Barcelona enter the picture
Barcelona have also moved into contention for Rodri, adding a further twist to an already crowded chase.
The Catalan club made contact with the player’s representatives after Frenkie de Jong suffered an injury, which has increased the urgency to strengthen their midfield options before the new season begins.
Barcelona’s interest is driven by the need for a reliable central midfielder capable of dictating play, and Rodri’s profile fits that requirement. However, they face stiff competition from both Real Madrid and PSG, as well as the resistance of Manchester City, making any deal complex.
Manchester City reluctant to sell
Manchester City, for their part, are determined to keep Rodri at the Etihad Stadium and are continuing efforts to persuade him to sign a new contract.
According to the same reports, the Premier League club are prepared to retain the Spain international until the end of his current deal, even if that means risking his departure on a free transfer next summer, rather than agreeing to sell him in this window.
City’s stance underlines how highly they value Rodri, who has been central to the club’s recent domestic and European successes. Their willingness to risk losing him for nothing reflects a prioritisation of sporting stability over immediate transfer income.
With Rodri’s contract running down, interest from three of Europe’s biggest clubs, and Manchester City firmly opposed to a sale, the midfielder’s future has become one of the defining storylines of the current transfer window.
