Real Madrid Kicks Off the Rodri Chase with First Offer

Real Madrid have taken a significant step forward in their pursuit of Manchester City midfielder Rodri, with the Spanish giants now officially opening negotiations to bring the Ballon d’Or-winning midfielder back to La Liga. After months of speculation, Florentino Pérez has reportedly changed his stance on the Spanish international, allowing the club to push ahead with a move that José Mourinho considers a priority.

For several months, Pérez had reservations about signing the 30-year-old midfielder. The Real Madrid president questioned whether investing in a player approaching the final stages of his career was the right strategy, especially considering Rodri’s recent injury problems. However, the club’s sporting management believes the Spaniard possesses the experience, leadership, and tactical intelligence needed to strengthen a midfield that has struggled to fully replace Toni Kroos since the German legend retired.

Rodri has long been admired within the Santiago Bernabéu hierarchy. His ability to control the tempo of matches, dictate possession, and protect the defense makes him one of the most complete defensive midfielders in world football. Real Madrid also believe his winning mentality, developed during his successful spell at Manchester City, would fit perfectly into Mourinho’s plans.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Real Madrid recently made their first official approach to Manchester City to begin discussions over a potential transfer. The initial contacts have been described as positive, although the Spanish club remains determined not to exceed €50 million for a player whose current contract expires in just one year.

Madrid’s valuation is largely influenced by Rodri’s contract situation and recent fitness concerns. While there is no doubt about his quality, the club believes paying a significantly higher fee would not represent good value for a player entering the final year of his deal. Florentino Pérez, known for his disciplined approach in the transfer market, has reportedly made it clear that the club will not engage in an expensive bidding war.

Despite those financial limits, Real Madrid remain optimistic that an agreement can be reached. Rodri himself is believed to be open to the move, having reportedly dreamed of playing for Los Blancos for several years. The possibility of returning to Spain and becoming a key figure in Mourinho’s new project is understood to be highly attractive for the midfielder.

On Thursday, Spanish radio station Cadena SER reported that Real Madrid had already submitted a verbal offer worth €50 million to Manchester City. While the broadcaster did not reveal whether City had formally accepted the proposal, it claimed that the financial aspect of the deal is unlikely to become a major obstacle. Discussions between the clubs are continuing, with several contractual details still being finalized.

🚨 JUST IN: Real Madrid & Man City are in ACTIVE TALKS for Rodri.

New round of negotiations TODAY.

Man City hope that more clubs will join the race, but RODRI will make the difference. @FabrizioRomano pic.twitter.com/BvUfoFiEFw

— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) July 30, 2026

Spanish newspaper AS has echoed those reports, stating that negotiations are progressing in a positive direction. Both outlets suggest that, if talks continue at the current pace, the transfer could be completed relatively quickly.

For Real Madrid, signing Rodri would represent one of the biggest moves of the summer transfer window. Mourinho has repeatedly expressed his desire to reinforce the midfield with an experienced player capable of bringing balance, composure, and leadership to the squad. Rodri appears to fit that profile perfectly.

Although a final agreement has yet to be reached, all indications suggest that negotiations are moving in the right direction. If the remaining details are resolved, Rodri could soon become the latest marquee addition to Mourinho’s ambitious new-look Real Madrid project.