Over the past few weeks, reports from both England and Spain ignited speculation linking Manchester Cityโs midfield anchor Rodri with a sensational switch to Real Madrid. With the summer transfer window in full swing, rumors spread rapidly suggesting that Los Blancos were planning an audacious attempt to lure the Spaniard back to La Liga. However, it has now been officially confirmed that Real Madrid will not be pursuing Rodri this summer.
The clarification came from highly respected journalist Mario Cortegana, who reported on The Athletic FC, a source widely regarded for accurate Real Madrid news. According to Cortegana, the club has no intentions of launching a move for Rodri in this transfer window, contrary to reports circulated by various media outlets in recent weeks.
Rodri, widely regarded as one of the best holding midfielders in world football, has been a cornerstone of Pep Guardiolaโs success at Manchester City. His presence was critical in Cityโs treble-winning campaign, and he remains a non-negotiable figure in their tactical setup. It’s no surprise that any hint of his availability sparks headlines across Europe.
But Real Madrid are approaching the 2025 summer window with strategic calm. Having already reinforced their midfield over the past two seasons with the arrivals of Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, Aurรฉlien Tchouamรฉni, and Arda Gรผler, the club believes it has a robust and versatile midfield core that doesnโt require the addition of Rodri.
While the admiration for Rodri exists within the club hierarchy, particularly due to his Spanish roots and La Liga experience, the timing and economics of a potential transfer donโt align with Madridโs current priorities. The club is focused on managing its wage structure and preparing for future investments โ particularly in attack โ rather than overspending on a position where they already have depth.
Another major factor is Manchester Cityโs stance. The Premier League giants have no interest in letting Rodri go, especially after losing key players in recent windows. Guardiola views him as irreplaceable, and City would demand an astronomical fee for any potential deal โ a fee that Madrid has no intention of paying.
Corteganaโs report further emphasizes that the stories linking Rodri to Madrid were overblown or based on speculative assumptions. While Real Madrid continuously monitors the top talents in Europe, there’s a difference between admiration and actionable interest. In Rodri’s case, it’s the former โ not the latter.
This confirmation helps Real Madrid maintain focus as they prepare for the new season under Carlo Ancelotti. With Tchouamรฉni returning to full fitness, and Camavinga and Valverde capable of adapting in multiple roles, Ancelotti is expected to continue rotating his midfield with flexibility, trusting the young core he has developed.
Rodri, for his part, remains committed to Manchester City, where he is under contract until 2027. There are no indications from his camp that he is seeking an exit, and he continues to thrive in England, recently named as one of UEFA’s top midfielders for the upcoming Champions League campaign.
In conclusion, while the dream of seeing Rodri don the white of Madrid may excite some fans, it will not happen this summer. Real Madrid have closed the door on this move โ for now โ and will continue building around their current midfield stars.
Transfer windows bring chaos, speculation, and excitement โ but this time, the Rodri-to-Madrid saga ends with a simple, clear verdict: itโs not happeni