Manchester City have been handed a major boost regarding the future of their midfield general Rodri, as reports from Spain suggest Real Madrid have decided against making a move for the Spanish international.
The 29-year-old has been one of Pep Guardiola’s most consistent and dependable players since his arrival at the Etihad Stadium, orchestrating play from deep and dictating the rhythm of City’s most successful years under the Catalan coach.
His leadership and composure have been central to the club’s dominance in both the Premier League and Europe, including their historic treble-winning campaign.
But recent months there are reports that Real Madrid are interested in signing Rodri amid the speculation surrounding the midfielder’s long-term future in Manchester.
A serious knee injury suffered earlier in the 2024/25 season — one that ruled him out for most of the campaign — cast uncertainty over his durability, while whispers began to emerge that some senior figures within City’s hierarchy might be open to a lucrative sale in 2026 if an offer of around €65 million were made.
Those rumours now appear to have hit a dead end, as new reports from Spain indicate that Real Madrid — previously regarded as Rodri’s most likely suitors — have cooled their interest.
According to Defensa Central, there is a “growing consensus” within the Bernabéu hierarchy that signing Rodri should be “abandoned” due to concerns over his price tag, age, and the potential long-term impact of his recent injury.
The report further explains that while Rodri currently carries a market valuation of around €110 million, Madrid’s willingness to make a formal offer would only have been realistic had the player been fully fit and performing at his peak.
Given the uncertainty surrounding his recovery and the club’s shifting priorities, the Spanish giants are now expected to turn their attention to younger alternatives.
Real Madrid’s change of plans brings relief for City
Despite the multiple reports that Real Madrid are interested in signing Rodri, the latest development of their apparent withdrawal from the race will bring a significant relief to Manchester City.
The midfielder remains a cornerstone of Pep Guardiola’s tactical system — his ability to break up play, recycle possession, and control tempo from deep midfield has no clear replacement in the current squad.
City have had to adapt in Rodri’s absence this season, with Guardiola turning to other options such as Nico González to cover the defensive midfield role.
Although González has impressed in flashes, the difference in control and balance when Rodri is unavailable has been evident.
Guardiola himself recently admitted that managing the midfielder’s fitness and avoiding a recurrence of muscular injuries, such as the hamstring issue sustained in the 1–0 win over Brentford earlier this month, is now a top priority.
Reports in Spain also state that Rodri’s own stance remains one of patience and focus. Rather than entertaining transfer speculation, the player’s priority is said to be regaining full fitness and returning to regular action.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid’s decision to move away from a potential deal for Rodri is also influenced by their current squad dynamics.
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With a talented group of young midfielders already in place — including Aurélien Tchouaméni, Eduardo Camavinga, and Federico Valverde — Xabi Alonso’s side see little urgency in adding another high-cost midfielder approaching his thirties.
Moreover, club insiders have hinted that the Spanish champions are increasingly drawn to emerging talents like Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, who at 20 offers both longevity and adaptability for the future.
As City aim to contest for titles on multiple fronts, the assurance of keeping their midfield anchor firmly in place could prove vital.
And while the conversation about Rodri’s future may resurface in the years ahead, for now, both he and Manchester City can focus on what truly matters — returning to full strength and continuing their pursuit of domestic and European dominance.
