Manchester City's Rodrigo Hernández Cascante faces a crucial crossroads in his career, with reports revealing a stark divide between his personal ambitions and the willingness of his dream club to make a move. According to Fabrizio Romano, the 30-year-old defensive midfielder "would love a return to Spain and dreams of Real Madrid, clear since months," yet Florentino Pérez has "always blocked this deal or any negotiations for Rodri this summer." Meanwhile, City have tabled a new contract proposal that has been on the table since April.
"En el Real Madrid se están replanteando internamente la situación de Rodri. Tras su gran Mundial, una parte de la directiva presiona para llegar a un acuerdo con el centrocampista español, que se muestra totalmente abierto a volver a España."
Internal Battle at the Bernabéu
As reported by Matteo Moretto of Relevo, Real Madrid are now internally reconsidering Rodri's situation. Following his outstanding World Cup performance, part of the club's directiva is pushing to reach an agreement with the Spanish midfielder, who remains "totally open" to returning to his homeland. The development marks a significant shift in the club's stance, with Managing Madrid reporting that while Pérez remains reluctant, cracks are appearing in the previously unified opposition to the transfer.
Player Profile and Contract Situation
Born in Madrid on 22 June 1996, Rodri joined Manchester City from Atlético Madrid in July 2019 for €70 million when his market value stood at €80 million. The 1.90m defensive midfielder's value peaked at €130 million in July 2024, though it has since dropped to €50 million according to Transfermarkt. His current contract at the Etihad runs until 30 June 2027, having last extended in July 2022, giving City significant leverage in any negotiations. The Madrid native began his youth career at Atlético before moving through Villarreal's academy and first team, eventually returning to Atlético for €20 million in 2018.
Market Value Analysis
Rodri's current €50 million valuation represents a dramatic fall from his €130 million peak just months ago, likely reflecting both his age at 30 and potential injury concerns. Any potential transfer would likely need to exceed this figure given his importance to City's system and the length remaining on his contract. While Yahoo Sports reports that Real Madrid's pursuit may depend on a €60 million sale of another player, no concrete fee has been suggested for Rodri himself. City will be acutely aware that selling a player of his calibre, particularly to a European rival, would require substantial compensation regardless of the recent market value decline.
Reliability: 4/5. Backed by tier-one sources Fabrizio Romano and Matteo Moretto, with Romano confirming both Rodri's desire and Pérez's historical opposition, while Moretto provides crucial new information about internal Real Madrid pressure following the World Cup.
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
- €50.00m
- Peak value
- €130.00m (18/07/2024)
Market value development
Transfer history
| Season | Date | From | To | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19/20 | 04/07/2019 | Atlético | Man City | €70.00m |
| 18/19 | 01/07/2018 | Villarreal | Atlético | €20.00m |
| 16/17 | 01/07/2016 | Villarreal CF B | Villarreal | free/undisclosed |
Player data and market values: Transfermarkt.
