Real Madrid intensifies push for Manchester City midfielder Rodri as Guardiola exit looms

Spain’s Real Madrid are reportedly sharpening their pursuit of Manchester City’s 29‑year‑old midfielder Rodri, the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner. Sources say the Spanish international is eager to join Los Blancos, especially after speculation that Pep Guardiola may leave City, a development that could remove a key barrier to the move. Marca quoted the club’s hierarchy that “Rodri is eager to come” to the Bernabéu and that new manager José Mourinho and president Florentino Pérez are prepared to negotiate his transfer.

City have offered Rodri a new contract – a weekly €350,000 salary until 2029 – and are seeking to retain him, with director of football Hugo Viana actively trying to persuade the player to stay. Rodri’s contract runs until 2027, and the English club values him highly, having paid €60 million for a replacement. The transfer is expected to be complex, requiring agreement on fees and the player’s personal terms.

If completed, the move would give Real Madrid a tactical leader in midfield as they aim to regain major trophies, while City would lose a central figure of their recent successes.