Real Madrid have set their sights on Manchester City’s midfield linchpin Rodri, a player hailed as one of the Premier League’s most vital assets, as they aim to bolster their squad for the 2025-26 season. Under the incoming management of Xabi Alonso, who replaced Carlo Ancelotti after a trophyless 2024-25 campaign, Los Blancos are eager to secure the Spanish international’s signature. However, their reported offer of £51 million for the 29-year-old defensive midfielder has raised eyebrows, given his indispensable role at City and a market value far exceeding their bid. The proposed fee, significantly lower than recent transfers like Matheus Cunha’s £62.5 million move, has sparked debate about whether Madrid’s ambition can overcome City’s resolve to keep their star.
Rodri, who joined Manchester City from Atlético Madrid in 2019 for £62.8 million, has become the backbone of Pep Guardiola’s side, earning praise as “possibly the most important player for any team in the Premier League,” according to former Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand. With 26 goals and 31 assists in 261 appearances, Rodri’s influence extends beyond his defensive duties, anchoring City’s midfield with composure and tactical intelligence. His inclusion in the 2024 Best FIFA World Men’s XI underscores his global stature, and with two years left on his £200,000-a-week contract, City are in talks to extend his stay, signaling their reluctance to let him go. “Man City do not want to sell Rodri in the summer transfer window,” a source close to the club affirmed, noting that Guardiola has personally emphasized the Spaniard’s importance to the team’s future.
Real Madrid’s interest in Rodri is not new, with rumors of their pursuit dating back to September 2024. However, their latest approach, reported on June 2, 2025, comes with complications. Madrid’s disappointing season, marked by failures to win La Liga, the Copa del Rey, or the Champions League, has prompted a squad overhaul. The arrival of Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool on a free transfer and ongoing interest in young talents like Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly reflect Alonso’s vision for a dynamic, youthful squad. Yet, Rodri, a proven world-class talent, represents a statement signing to replace the aging Luka Modric and fill the void left by Toni Kroos. The £51 million offer, however, is seen as a lowball tactic, especially when compared to the £70 million valuation set for Madrid’s own midfielder Eduardo Camavinga, a target for City in a potential counter-move.
The transfer saga has taken intriguing turns, with reports suggesting City would only entertain Rodri’s departure if Madrid included Jude Bellingham in a swap deal—an option swiftly dismissed by Los Blancos. “Real Madrid have RULED that out,” a source confirmed, highlighting their unwillingness to part with the 21-year-old England star, who commands a weekly wage north of €400,000 and has over 50 direct goal contributions since joining from Borussia Dortmund in 2023. This standoff underscores the high stakes, as both clubs, giants in their respective leagues, navigate financial and strategic constraints. City’s battle to secure a top-five Premier League finish and their elimination from the Champions League by Madrid earlier this season add further complexity, with the Etihad hierarchy keen to avoid weakening their squad.
Madrid’s transfer strategy, long defined by Florentino Pérez’s Galáctico era, has evolved to balance high-profile signings with shrewd acquisitions. Recent additions like Kylian Mbappé on a free transfer (with a significant signing-on fee) and past deals for players like Thibaut Courtois (€40 million) and Camavinga (€31 million plus bonuses) reflect their knack for securing talent at reasonable costs. However, their pursuit of Rodri tests this approach, as City’s firm stance and Rodri’s contentment in Manchester pose significant hurdles. “When Madrid come calling, it is very difficult for clubs to keep their players,” a football insider noted, yet City’s financial muscle and Rodri’s pivotal role suggest this deal will require more than a bargain bid.
As the summer transfer window looms, the Rodri saga promises to be a defining narrative. For Madrid, landing the Spaniard would signal a return to their dominant best under Alonso’s leadership. For City, retaining their midfield maestro is crucial to reclaiming their Premier League dominance. With negotiations at an impasse, the football world watches closely to see if Madrid’s ambition can sway one of the game’s most coveted players or if City’s resolve will hold firm.
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