Interest in Rodri from Spanish Giants
Real Madrid are reportedly working on a deal to sign Manchester City midfielder Rodri. Although club-to-club discussions have not yet occurred, Madrid is confident that an agreement can be reached, operating under the assumption that Rodri will join the club this summer. City, however, remains in dialogue with the midfielder regarding his future and hopes he will be part of Enzo Maresca’s squad for the upcoming season.
Rodri, who is 30, has entered the final year of his contract with City. His performance level and his role in Spain’s World Cup triumph are cited as factors in Real Madrid’s decision to pursue him. Previously, Madrid sources had indicated that Rodri was not part of their plans, but this stance has reportedly changed following his return from the World Cup.
Adding to the interest, Barcelona has also made inquiries about signing Rodri during the current summer transfer window. According to reports, Barcelona’s interest stems from Frenkie de Jong’s injury, which has prompted them to consider acquiring a top-class midfielder. Rodri’s existing chemistry with his Barcelona teammates in the Spain setup is also noted.
Other Transfer Speculations
In other transfer news, Leeds United is reportedly close to a £40m deal to sign England goalkeeper James Trafford from Manchester City. Trafford is 23 years old. Manchester United are in advanced talks to loan Netherlands forward Joshua Zirkzee, 25, to Juventus for a season, with an option to buy at £30m.
Paris St-Germain is showing interest in Parma’s Zion Suzuki, a 23-year-old Japan goalkeeper who has also been linked with Aston Villa and Juventus. Crystal Palace has reached an agreement on personal terms with Brest’s Raphael Le Guen, a 19-year-old French centre-back. Furthermore, Ibrahim Mbaye, an 18-year-old Senegal forward from Paris St-Germain, has been offered to both Liverpool and Manchester City, with his agents indicating he will not join Aston Villa this summer.
Real Madrid is expected to hold further talks with Vinicius Jr’s representatives to agree on a new long-term contract, amid interest from Arsenal in the 26-year-old Brazil winger. Real Madrid has also made a second offer, reportedly between £94m and £98m, for Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande. However, further discussions are needed to meet RB Leipzig’s demands for the 19-year-old, who was also a target for Liverpool.
Sevilla is reportedly willing to sell Ruben Vargas, 22, for 20m euros (£17m), with Brighton, Newcastle, and Aston Villa among the Premier League clubs interested in the 27-year-old Switzerland winger. Sunderland has agreed personal terms with Toulouse and France Under-21 left-back Dayann Methalie, 20. Additionally, Fulham’s Sasa Lukic, a 29-year-old Serbia international, is among several midfield targets for Ipswich Town this summer.
Rodri’s Career and Future
Rodri joined Manchester City from Atletico in 2019. During his time at the club, he has made 298 appearances, scoring 28 goals and providing 32 assists. He has won four Premier League titles, the FA Cup twice, the League Cup three times, and the Champions League in 2023, where he scored the winning goal in the final.
The midfielder has expressed a desire to return to his home country during his playing career, specifically mentioning the appeal of representing Real Madrid. He stated that having played for Atletico previously would not prevent him from playing for Real Madrid, noting that other players have made similar moves. Rodri is set to undergo surgery, and his return date is unconfirmed.
Despite his recent injury issues, including an absence for much of the 2024-25 campaign and two spells out with hamstring and groin issues in the 2025-26 season, Rodri featured 33 times in all competitions during the 2025-26 season. His outstanding performance at the World Cup has reportedly addressed doubts about his condition, shifting focus to his potential contributions to a new team.
City’s manager, Enzo Maresca, commented on the speculation surrounding Rodri, stating that it is normal for top players, especially after winning the World Cup. He added that Rodri needs a holiday, rest, and recovery before returning to the team.
Source: bbc.com
Priya Nair
Sports Reporter
