Real Madrid Open First Talks for Rodri with Manchester City

According to a tweet from veteran transfer‑guru Fabrizio Romano, Real Madrid have approached Manchester City for Rodri for the first time. He added that "negotiations have started with verbal discussions between clubs" and that "Florentino Pérez has given approval to the deal after doors closed for months". Ben Jacobs of GiveMeSport echoed the news, noting that the Spanish midfielder has already signalled his desire to leave, while City appear keen to retain him if a new contract cannot be agreed.

Rodri – a proven World‑Cup champion at a crossroads

Rodrigo Hernández Cascante, 30, is one of the most accomplished defensive midfielders in the Premier League. A product of Atlético Madrid’s academy, he moved to Manchester City in July 2019 for €70 million after a €20 million switch from Villarreal the season before. Since joining Pep Guardiola’s side he has helped the club win multiple league titles and was a pivotal figure in Spain’s 2022 World‑Cup triumph.

Transfermarkt lists his current market value at €55 million, down from a career‑high €130 million recorded in July 2024. He is under contract until 30 June 2027, having signed his last extension in July 2022, and is represented by agent Pablo Barquero. The midfielder stands 1.90 m tall, plays with his right foot, and is known for his positional sense, ball recovery and distribution.

What the talks could mean for Manchester City

City’s hierarchy, led by owner Khaldoon al‑Mubarak, have publicly stated that keeping Rodri is a priority. The club’s official stance, as reported by The Guardian, is to persuade the World‑Cup winner to stay, even if a new deal cannot be sealed. With a contract that runs for another three seasons, City are in a strong negotiating position and could demand a premium if they decide to sell.

Financial perspective – fee vs. market trajectory

Because no fee has been disclosed, any valuation will be speculative. If Real Madrid were to meet the €55 million current valuation, the price would represent a modest discount compared with Rodri’s peak €130 million. However, given his age (30), recent injury history and the length of his remaining contract, a fee nearer his current market value would not be surprising. In contrast, the €70 million fee Manchester City paid in 2019 reflects a market where top‑class defensive midfielders commanded premium prices.

Broader transfer landscape

Other outlets such as BBC Sport and Sky Sports have highlighted Real Madrid’s confidence in securing the deal, while noting that clubs like Inter Milan and Liverpool are also monitoring the market for midfield reinforcements. Yet, as of now, the only confirmed advance comes from Real Madrid, making Rodri’s situation the summer’s headline‑grabbing saga.

"Real Madrid have approached Manchester City for Rodri for the first time. Negotiations have started with verbal discussions between clubs. Florentino Pérez has given approval to the deal after doors closed for months," – Fabrizio Romano (via X).

Reliability: 4/5 – The claim is backed by Fabrizio Romano’s tweet and reinforced by Ben Jacobs and BBC Sport, both respected sources in transfer reporting. While no official club statements have been released, the convergence of multiple reputable outlets gives the story a high, though not absolute, level of confidence.

Player profile: Rodri

Age

30

Position

Midfield - Defensive Midfield

Height

1,90 m

Foot

right

Nationality

  Spain

Club

Manchester City

Contract until

30/06/2027

Agent

Pablo Barquero

Market value

€55.00m

Peak value

€130.00m (18/07/2024)

Market value development

Transfer history

Player data and market values: Transfermarkt.