Manchester City have made their stance unmistakably clear amid speculation that Real Madrid are planning to sign Rodri. Despite renewed reports of Madrid’s interest, City sources insist the midfielder is “not for sale” and remains a “big part of their future.”
This comes amid the report from TeamTalk and Spanish outlet Defensa Central, which claimed that Real Madrid have ended their long-standing pursuit of the Manchester City star. The La Liga giants, who had been tracking Rodri’s performances over recent seasons, have reportedly concluded that signing the midfielder would be “a high-risk operation due to the player’s physical condition.”
Club president Florentino Pérez is said to be convinced that it would be “almost impossible for that opinion to change.”
Noted that the report of Real Madrid are planning to sign Rodri has dominated the media in recent days. The Spanish giants were initially considering a summer bid worth around £130 million after observing Rodri’s influence throughout the 2025/26 campaign.
However, concerns surrounding his age, cost, and recent injury history have ultimately forced them to step back. Now 29, Rodri is nearing the stage where Madrid traditionally avoid major spending, especially on players who have recently battled long-term injuries.
As TeamTalk reported, Pérez has decided “not to pursue” any deal after Rodri sustained another setback during Manchester City’s recent victory over Brentford. The issue, described as muscular by Pep Guardiola, has again triggered doubts about the Spaniard’s long-term durability. For Madrid, the risk appears too high — particularly given their already stacked midfield options.
Real Madrid’s depth reduces urgency to sign Rodri
Real Madrid’s decision to end their pursuit is also shaped by the wealth of midfield talent already available to manager Xabi Alonso. The Spanish tactician can call upon Eduardo Camavinga, Federico Valverde, and Aurélien Tchouaméni, while Jude Bellingham has proven capable of dropping deeper when necessary.
This abundance of options has reportedly led club president Pérez to conclude that signing Rodri would represent an unnecessary financial gamble.
Their caution contrasts with Manchester City’s firm position. Club insiders told TeamTalk that Rodri is integral to Pep Guardiola’s system and that the club has no intention of opening negotiations, even for Real Madrid.
Despite injury concerns, Manchester City ready to keep Rodri, extend his contract
Transfer expert Dean Jones added further clarity on the matter, stating: “City certainly do not want to entertain any offers and will hope that Madrid set their sights on someone else at the end of the season.” He continued, “I am told his focus is completely on City, as they continue to support him.”
That unwavering backing from Manchester has been evident, particularly from Guardiola himself. Following the Brentford game, the City boss confirmed: “It’s muscular. Of course, I don’t want to lose him [at all] because he is such an important player. We tried to take care of him, but it is what it is.”
Later, Guardiola reflected on his earlier caution over Rodri’s workload, telling Goal: “I was right, no? You asked me why I don’t play him 90 minutes all the time. This is why we tried to be gentle and play [him] for 60-65 minutes.”
For Rodri, the focus now turns to recovery and maintaining his fitness. Speaking to Sky Sports after leaving the pitch against Brentford, the Spain international downplayed the severity of his latest issue.
“I felt a little bit in the hamstring, but it seems as though it’s not that much,” he said. “I stretched a bit, like in the final of the Euros. But the most important thing is it’s not that big.”
City’s medical department remains cautious, managing Rodri’s workload closely. Since suffering a ruptured ACL last season — an injury that restricted him to just 15 appearances across the 2023/24 campaign — his playing time has been carefully monitored.
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The club continues to rotate him strategically across competitions to minimise risk, acknowledging how central he is to their midfield control and overall style of play.
Guardiola’s reliance on Rodri’s composure and intelligence in possession has long been a cornerstone of City’s dominance in both the Premier League and Europe.
His ability to dictate tempo, break opposition lines, and protect the defence makes him irreplaceable in Guardiola’s system. As such, the club’s hierarchy has no interest in weakening a team that remains in pursuit of multiple major trophies this season.
