Manchester City mainstay determined to secure Real Madrid switch this summer – Romano

Real Madrid’s long-running admiration for Rodri has returned to the spotlight after fresh details emerged regarding the midfielder’s future at Manchester City. 

While speculation has intensified in recent days, the latest update suggests the driving force behind the story is the player himself rather than any concrete move from the Spanish giants.

According to transfer market expert Fabrizio Romano, Rodri is doing everything possible to make a return to Spain happen after an outstanding 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign. 

The Manchester City midfielder, who was named the tournament’s best player, is understood to view a switch to the Santiago Bernabeu as a career ambition.

However, despite the player’s desire, the transfer remains far from becoming a reality, with one key decision still preventing negotiations from moving forward.

Rodri pushing for Real Madrid move

Rodri led Spain to the World Cup title. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

As such, Romano reports that Rodri is actively pushing for a move to Real Madrid.

The Spain international has made no secret of his ambition to one day wear the famous white shirt, and his performances at the World Cup have only strengthened the belief that he could become an ideal addition to Jose Mourinho’s midfield.

Yet, for all the growing speculation, Real Madrid have not submitted an offer or opened formal talks with Manchester City. 

The club’s interest has not developed into an official pursuit, leaving Rodri’s future unchanged for the time being.

Florentino Perez yet to approve potential deal

The biggest obstacle to any transfer is currently inside the Bernabeu rather than at Manchester City.

Rori dreams of moving to Real Madrid. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

According to Romano, club president Florentino Perez has not given the approval required for Real Madrid to move ahead with an operation that would almost certainly rank among the biggest deals of the transfer window.

Without that green light, there is little prospect of negotiations advancing, regardless of Rodri’s willingness to return to La Liga.

Manchester City, meanwhile, have no intention of losing one of their most influential players. 

The Premier League giants are already working to secure Rodri’s long-term future, with a contract extension on the table that would keep him at the Etihad Stadium beyond 2027.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, the midfielder continues to handle the situation professionally while keeping an eye on the possibility of moving back to his home country.