Real Madrid have taken the unusual step of contacting Manchester City directly to reject reports suggesting a pre-agreed deal for Rodri. According to Diario AS, senior figures at Valdebebas are furious over claims that personal terms had been settled with the Spain international, and reached out to the Premier League club to insist the reports are completely unfounded.
The club-to-club contact represents an unusually active denial. Rather than issuing a standard statement, Los Blancos sought to clear the air with City officials, signalling the reputational and diplomatic damage they believe the rumour cycle has caused. Nevertheless, the underlying situation remains complex. Rodri has entered the final year of his contract at the Etihad Stadium and has reportedly rejected an extension, leaving City prepared to listen to offers significantly lower than their previous €100m valuation. Reports suggest the Premier League club would now consider bids around €60m.
Tactical mismatch under Mourinho
Despite the midfielder’s reported desire to return to La Liga, AS indicate that Real’s decision-makers view José Mourinho’s tactical approach as incompatible with Rodri’s strengths. The Portuguese is implementing a more direct, vertical style that departs from the possession-heavy, short-passing game in which the defensive midfielder has been most effective for City and Spain.
While certain voices within the Bernabéu hierarchy admire Rodri—particularly after his World Cup performances with Spain—the dominant institutional position holds that he does not fit the current model. This marks a shift from earlier in the window, when L’Équipe reported that Real had identified the 30-year-old Ballon d’Or winner as a key summer target, believing his contractual status would provide leverage to negotiate a cheaper price.
Fitness concerns and next steps
Any potential deal faces additional complications from Rodri’s fitness. He is expected to miss the start of the 2026-27 campaign following back surgery, meaning any interested club would invest significantly in a player unavailable for the opening weeks.
For Manchester City, the dilemma is acute. With Pep Guardiola departed and Enzo Maresca now managing the transition, allowing such an influential figure to leave on a free transfer next summer is commercially unappealing. Yet securing a replacement of comparable quality with limited time remaining in the window presents a significant challenge. Rodri’s preference for a return to Spain ensures Real Madrid remain linked to the situation, even as the club publicly maintains that no agreement exists.