Manchester City attempted to spark a bidding war for the midfielder, but Rodri is clear, he wants to go to the Santiago Bernabéu. Negotiations over the price are ongoing, and Real hopes to lower the demanded €75 million.
Spanish midfielder Rodri has dealt a heavy blow to Manchester City with his clear desire to move to Real Madrid during this summer transfer window. His determination has thwarted the English club's efforts to draw other interested parties into the race, reveals Marca radio journalist Sergio Valentin.
Valentin posted on X that Manchester City actively tried to create competition for their player's signature. "Manchester City tried to push other clubs into the race for Rodri, but failed," he wrote. The reason is simple, Rodri has "closed the door on all other options."
The player wants exclusively a transfer to the ranks of the Royal Club, and an agreement between him and the Madrid side already exists. That firm decision gives Real Madrid a negotiating advantage, explains Valentin, allowing the Spanish giants to negotiate a more favorable price with Manchester City.
Manchester City, for their part, do not intend to give in easily and insist on a €75 million fee. Real Madrid, meanwhile, want to bring that figure down to around €60 million. However, given Rodri's unwavering desire, Valentin estimates that a final agreement could be reached in the range of €65 to €75 million.
The transfer also has the blessing of Real's manager, José Mourinho, especially after Rodri's excellent form at the World Cup. His clear intention has not gone unnoticed by other clubs either. Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich have pulled out of the race, faced with the player's insistence on Madrid.
Barcelona went only a step further than contacting the player's entourage, stopping short of direct negotiations with Manchester City. The Catalans quickly understood Rodri's priorities, even after Frenkie de Jong's injury heightened their interest. Competing with Real seemed too demanding, especially with other squad needs and recent heavy spending, making an additional €75 million outlay for Rodri complicated.
Real Madrid remain optimistic about finalizing the deal, although they approach negotiations cautiously.
