NewsIndia

By Ishaan Kapoor — 28 July 2026 — 3 min read

Rodri’s Contract Situation and Real Madrid’s Interest

Manchester City is preparing for potential bids for their World Cup-winning Spain midfielder, Rodri. The club remains hopeful that the 30-year-old will sign a new contract, despite his current terms expiring next June. City has been in discussions with Rodri regarding a new deal, which has reportedly been available for some time.

Real Madrid has reportedly changed its previous stance of not being interested in Rodri, especially after his performances as captain of Spain’s World Cup campaign, where he won the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player. Real Madrid is understood to be preparing a bid for the midfielder. Rodri had previously hinted at a desire to play for Real Madrid, stating that his past with Atlético would not prevent him from joining one of the world’s best clubs.

Rodri’s reliability during the summer has reportedly eased concerns about his physical condition, following two seasons affected by injuries. However, he is expected to undergo surgery for a back injury after returning from North America.

Competition from Barcelona and PSG

The interest from Real Madrid in signing Rodri could also spark interest from other top clubs. Barcelona is reportedly considering a move for Rodri, particularly after Frenkie de Jong’s medial collateral ligament injury, which has sidelined him for several months. Paris Saint-Germain is also known to admire the midfielder and has reportedly made initial contact regarding a potential move.

Despite the growing interest from other clubs, Manchester City is keen to retain Rodri, who won the 2024 Ballon d’Or. Reports suggest that City would prefer to lose Rodri on a free transfer in a year’s time rather than sell him this summer. The midfielder’s future is currently uncertain as he weighs his options, with some suggestions indicating he might be considering a move following the end of the Pep Guardiola era at the club.

Real Madrid may need to generate funds to sign Rodri, especially if they proceed with the expected signing of Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig for a fee reported to be well over €100m. This could potentially lead to the sale of Aurélien Tchouaméni, who is understood to have agreed to a new contract with Real Madrid, though this has not been officially announced. His current deal is set to end in summer 2028.

Other Transfer Market Activities

In other transfer news, Leeds United is close to finalising a £40m deal to sign 23-year-old England goalkeeper James Trafford from Manchester City. Manchester United is in advanced talks to loan Netherlands forward Joshua Zirkzee, 25, to Juventus for a season, with an option to buy at £30m.

Crystal Palace has reached an agreement on personal terms with Brest’s 19-year-old French centre-back Raphael Le Guen. Sunderland has also agreed personal terms with Toulouse and France Under-21 left-back Dayann Methalie, 20. Meanwhile, Fulham’s 29-year-old Serbia international Sasa Lukic is among the midfield targets for Ipswich Town this summer.

Real Madrid is also set to hold further discussions with Vinicius Jr’s representatives to secure a new long-term contract for the 26-year-old Brazil winger, amidst interest from Arsenal. Additionally, Sevilla is reportedly willing to sell Ruben Vargas, 22, for 20m euros (£17m), with Brighton, Newcastle, and Aston Villa among the interested Premier League clubs for the 27-year-old Switzerland winger.

Paris Saint-Germain is also interested in Parma’s Zion Suzuki, the 23-year-old Japan goalkeeper who has been linked with Aston Villa and Juventus. Furthermore, Ibrahim Mbaye of Paris Saint-Germain has been offered to both Liverpool and Manchester City, as his agents have indicated that the 18-year-old Senegal forward will not be joining Aston Villa this summer.

Source: bbc.com