Real Madrid interest in Manchester City’s Rodri ‘somewhat cooled’ after one match

Real Madrid are long-standing admirers of Rodri
The Spain international opened the door to a Madrid move in March, 2026
Manchester City are keen to renew the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner’s contract

Interest from Real Madrid in Manchester City’s Rodri reportedly ‘somewhat cooled’ after the two sides met in the UEFA Champions League’s last-16 stage this season.

The Spanish giants have long identified Rodri as a future priority transfer target to anchor a midfield in transition, viewing the former Ballon d’Or winner as the ideal successor to provide veteran leadership at the Bernabéu.

“I’d blow my entire year’s salary” – How Manchester City’s Rodri has stayed humble despite Ballon d’Or glory

However, the dynamics of the expected pursuit reportedly shifted significantly following the conclusion of a high-stakes UEFA Champions League tie between the two heavyweights in mid-March.

Real Madrid emerged victorious with a commanding 5-1 aggregate win, including a 3-0 masterclass in the Spanish capital and a 2-1 victory at the Etihad Stadium in the second-leg of the contest.

Why have Real Madrid reportedly distanced themselves?

During these encounters, Florentino Pérez and the Real Madrid executive board reportedly scrutinised Rodri’s abilities, as assessments remain ongoing over the player’s levels in light of his serious knee injury sustained in Autumn 2024.

Now, according to the information of journalist Ramón Álvarez, the recent UEFA Champions League last-16 tie between Real Madrid and Manchester City ‘somewhat cooled’ the Spanish club’s interest in Rodri.

However, it is further stated that the upcoming FIFA World Cup in North America ‘will be very important’ when it comes to key officials within the Bernabeu ‘making the decision’ on the Spanish international.

Man City target urgent Rodri contract renewal

From Manchester City’s perspective, the club remains in a delicate position with their midfield linchpin, with Rodri’s current contract at the Etihad Stadium set to expire in June 2027.

While the player recently admitted to Spanish media during the March international break that “you can’t turn down the best clubs in the world,” City officials are working on a top-level renewal offer to ward off interest.

Despite the “cooling” reported, the threat of a summer exit remains credible if Rodri shows a keen desire to make a switch to Los Blancos – a move that would force City to move upon some of the names they have been heavily linked to as potential replacements.

Manchester City Transfer Tracker: Live Updates on Signings, Contracts and Loans

With Bernardo Silva expected to leave this summer, Elliot Anderson and Sandro Tonali have been identified as options under Sporting Director Hugo Viana, with the Nottingham Forest man in particular eyed as a priority target.

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