Real Madrid Launch Shock £100M Bid for Manchester City Star Rodri
In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves through the football world, Real Madrid have reportedly launched a blockbuster £100 million bid to sign Manchester City’s midfield powerhouse Rodri. The Spanish giants are said to be determined to bring the Ballon d’Or winner back to his home country, viewing him as the ideal long-term successor in their star-studded midfield.
The £100m figure echoes persistent rumors from mid-2025, when outlets like The Sun and Sky Sports first reported that Real Madrid were preparing a major offer for the 29-year-old Spanish international. At the time, under new manager Xabi Alonso—who has long admired Rodri’s composure, tactical intelligence, and ability to dictate games from deep—Los Blancos identified him as a top priority to fill the void left by legends like Toni Kroos and potentially Luka Modrić.
Rodri, who joined Manchester City from Atlético Madrid in 2019 for around £62.5 million, has since become one of the most indispensable players in Pep Guardiola’s system. His exceptional passing range, defensive solidity, and leadership helped City secure multiple Premier League titles, Champions League glory, and earned him the 2024 Ballon d’Or. Despite a serious knee injury sidelining him for much of the 2024/25 season, Rodri’s quality remains unquestioned, with his current contract at the Etihad running until 2027.
Real Madrid’s interest has intensified due to Rodri’s Spanish roots and his proven pedigree at the highest level. Reports suggest the club sees him as a perfect fit alongside stars like Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Júnior, and Kylian Mbappé, providing the defensive midfield stability that has occasionally been lacking in big matches.
However, the path to a deal remains far from straightforward. Manchester City view Rodri as a cornerstone of their squad and are unlikely to entertain a pure cash sale without significant reinforcements in return. Recent speculation points toward a potential player-plus-cash swap, with names like Federico Valverde or Rodrygo mentioned as possible makeweights. Guardiola has reportedly indicated openness to letting Rodri depart for Real Madrid—but only if it includes high-profile arrivals to bolster City’s midfield and attack.
Earlier links in late 2025 floated even higher figures, with some Spanish sources claiming Real Madrid were prepared to go as high as €150m (£130m) to secure the midfielder. Yet, as the 2026 winter window progresses, no formal confirmation of an active bid has emerged beyond the resurfacing of the £100m headline. City’s stance appears firm: Rodri is valued at around €75m in current market estimates, but any transfer would demand a premium given his status and contract length.
For now, the “£100M shock” bid represents the latest chapter in one of football’s most tantalizing transfer sagas. Rodri’s future could hinge on summer negotiations, especially if his contract situation evolves or if Real Madrid push harder with a structured proposal. Fans on both sides will watch closely as this potential blockbuster move continues to dominate headlines.
Whether this bid materializes into concrete talks or remains in the realm of speculation, one thing is clear: Rodri’s world-class talent makes him a dream target for any elite club—and Real Madrid’s ambition shows no signs of slowing down.
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