Manchester City star Rodri has confirmed his openness to a move to Real Madrid, denying that his past with Atlético Madrid would be an obstacle to joining Los Blancos in the future.
The Spanish international’s contract with the English club expires in the summer of 2027, and negotiations are underway between him and City’s management for a two-year extension, with Real Madrid closely monitoring the situation.
Rodri has suffered a series of injuries over the past year, but he has quickly regained his form this season. Now, there is much talk about his future, with some suggesting he is the only player Florentino Pérez would be willing to pay a hefty sum to acquire.
Real Madrid sees Rodri as the successor to Kroos and Modric
Real Madrid has drawn up plans to strengthen its defensive midfield with a new signing during the upcoming summer transfer window. The club’s sporting management has considered several options, with Rodri being the most prominent and intriguing.
Rodri has been on Real Madrid’s radar for some time, and with his contract with Manchester City nearing its final 12 months, there’s a growing belief that a deal could be struck to bring the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner to the Bernabéu for a “reduced price.”
Rodri welcomes a move to Real Madrid
In an interview with Onda Cero (reported by Mundo Deportivo), the Spanish international indicated he’s open to a move to the Santiago Bernabéu, considering it foolish to rule out the option, despite his previous stint at Atlético Madrid.
Rodri stated: “Playing for Atlético Madrid doesn’t prevent me from playing for Real Madrid. Many players have taken that path; not directly, but over time. You can’t pass up the opportunity to play for the best club in the world.”
Cristiano Ronaldo’s son is close to joining Real Madrid
He added: “I don’t know (about the negotiations), they aren’t speaking to me directly but to my agent. But I would like to return (to Spain), yes. Obviously, I have one year left on my contract, and the time will come when we have to sit down and talk.”
The expected price for Rodri next summer
With Rodri entering the final year of his contract with Manchester City, the English club’s management might be open to selling him to recoup some money rather than losing him for free in the summer of 2027.
🚨💣 Rodri: “The fact that I played for Atlético Madrid does NOT stop me from playing for Real Madrid”.
“You CANNOT refuse the best clubs in the world”, told Onda Cero. pic.twitter.com/Sn1ls3X2dO
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 26, 2026
Real Madrid have initially set a price of €50 million for the 29-year-old, even though this goes against the ideas of President Florentino Pérez, who prefers to sign only young players for substantial sums.
But with the belief that Rodri is the player to fill the void left by the departures of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos, Real Madrid are reportedly prepared to pay a substantial sum to sign the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner.
At the same time, it is said that City will not sell Rodri for less than €70-80 million, a price Real Madrid are unwilling to pay. This could make next summer a stage for exciting negotiations between the two clubs if the player decides to leave the Etihad Stadium.
Rodri’s father: My son could move to Real Madrid
Regarding his son’s contract renewal with City, Antonio Hernandez said, “I can’t say anything. He’s very happy where he is now. I don’t know anything; the story hasn’t been written yet.”
He added, “It’s possible he doesn’t know where he’ll play yet. He’s negotiating, but I don’t know anything.”
