Real Madrid have been granted a clear path to sign Manchester City midfielder Rodri after Paris Saint-Germain opted against making a move for the Spain international, according to Sky Sports. The 30-year-old has reportedly expressed a desire to return to Spain and join Real Madrid, despite previously playing for Atletico Madrid.
Initial reports suggested Real Madrid president Florentino Perez had dismissed the possibility of signing Rodri earlier this summer. However, Perez has reportedly reconsidered, and negotiations between the two clubs are now underway. Manchester City are reluctant to lose the 2024 Ballon d'Or nominee and have offered him a new contract in an attempt to retain his services.
While City were previously said to prefer allowing Rodri to leave as a free agent next year rather than selling him this summer, his firm desire to move may force a change in their approach. PSG’s sudden interest emerged over the weekend, with Fabrizio Romano confirming their consideration of a bid. However, the Ligue 1 champions have now decided against pursuing the midfielder.
Sky Sports reports that PSG had “no plans to pursue a move” for Rodri, and did not intend to strengthen their central midfield this summer. Sources at Real Madrid, as reported by Mundo Deportivo, believe PSG’s interest was a tactic to inflate Rodri’s transfer fee, a perceived response to Real Madrid’s acquisition of Yan Diomande despite PSG’s reluctance to meet the asking price.
Manchester City are expected to demand a fee of around €80 million for Rodri. The ongoing rivalry between Real Madrid and PSG, particularly stemming from the pursuit of Kylian Mbappe earlier in the decade, appears to have played a role in PSG’s swift withdrawal from the race. The transfer could significantly bolster Real Madrid’s midfield options, while City would be tasked with finding a replacement for one of their key players.
