Real Madrid Rebuff Rodri Transfer Reports in Direct Communication with Manchester City

Real Madrid have taken the unusual step of initiating direct communications with Manchester City to explicitly refute reports claiming an agreement on personal terms with Spanish midfielder Rodri.

According to reports from Diario AS, senior executives at the Spanish club’s Valdebebas headquarters expressed strong dissatisfaction over circulating speculation that a Santiago Bernabéu transfer was already arranged, prompting an informal call to Manchester City hierarchy to clear the air. Madrid officials characterized the narrative of an active deal as entirely unfounded.

Direct intervention between top-tier European clubs often occurs to prevent diplomatic friction and avoid potential breaches of FIFA transfer guidelines, which prohibit unauthorized approaches to players under contract without parent club permission.

A primary internal argument against pursuing Rodri stems from a tactical misalignment with head coach José Mourinho. Mourinho’s system prioritizes rapid, direct vertical transitions rather than the methodical, possession-focused build-up play that defined Rodri’s role under Pep Guardiola.

While a minority of figures inside the Madrid hierarchy admire the Spain international—whose status as a premier midfielder was cemented during a World Cup Golden Ball winning campaign—the dominant club stance remains that his playing style does not align with the current tactical vision.

The situation at Manchester City presents commercial urgency. Rodri has turned down extension offers and is approaching the final 12 months of his contract. Following the departure of Pep Guardiola and the arrival of manager Enzo Maresca, City management are inclined to entertain offers near €60 million rather than risk losing a valued asset without a transfer fee.

Adding complexity to any potential move is Rodri’s health status. The 2026-27 season will start without the midfielder as he continues rehabilitation from back surgery, delaying his return to competitive action until after the opening weeks of the campaign. Though Rodri is understood to favor a future return to La Liga, he has publicly maintained a neutral position while focusing on his recovery.