Real Madrid are reportedly confident in securing a deal for Manchester City’s Rodri, with a potential transfer fee estimated between 40-50m euros (£34m-£43m). The 30-year-old Spain midfielder has one year remaining on his contract with Manchester City. A meeting on Thursday could finalise the deal, according to one report.
Manchester City are hopeful that Rodri will sign a new contract, despite Real Madrid’s interest. The club is in discussions with the midfielder and remains optimistic about a successful outcome. However, Real Madrid’s interest has reportedly shifted following Rodri’s performances as captain for Spain during their World Cup campaign, where he was named the tournament’s best player.
Potential Midfield Changes
Rodri previously expressed a desire to return to LaLiga, stating in March that he would not turn down the world’s best clubs. His reliability during the summer has reportedly eased concerns about his physical condition after two injury-affected seasons. However, he is expected to undergo surgery for a back injury after returning from North America.
Should Rodri depart, Manchester City would lose a central figure. Pep Guardiola has previously described Rodri as the best midfielder in the world. His ability to control games and set the tempo has been crucial to City’s in-play strategy.
Manchester City’s transfer strategy has often involved a calculated approach to players nearing the end of their contracts. The club has previously seen key players like Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, and John Stones move on. Receiving a significant fee for a player with one year left on his contract, particularly one in his 30s, would align with this approach.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid’s interest in Rodri is long-standing. Reports suggest that 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 potentially exceeding €100m (£85m). This could lead to the sale of Aurélien Tchouaméni, whose current deal ends in summer 2028.
Other Transfer Speculations
In other transfer news, Inter Milan could reportedly renew their efforts to sign Liverpool’s England midfielder Curtis Jones, 25. The potential signing of England centre-back John Stones, 32, on a free transfer could impact Argentina defender Cristian Romero’s, 28, prospects of joining the Italian club from Tottenham.
Juventus has reportedly agreed a deal with Paris St-Germain for France striker Randal Kolo Muani. The move is understood to be a loan with an obligation to buy, with the fee potentially reaching 50m euros (£43m) including add-ons.
Brentford are reportedly close to signing Lens and Mali midfielder Mamadou Sangare, 24, as a replacement for Jordan Henderson. Aston Villa had a 30m euro (£26m) offer for Brazilian forward Allan, 22, rejected by Palmeiras. Additionally, Hull City are in discussions with Aston Villa to sign Jamaica winger Leon Bailey, 28, on a permanent transfer.
Fulham are reportedly nearing agreements to sign Spanish duo Cesar Palacios, a 21-year-old attacking midfielder, and Gonzalo Garcia, 22, a striker, both from Real Madrid. Nottingham Forest had a 20m euro offer for Israel international Anan Khalaili, 21, rejected by Belgian club Royale Union Saint-Gilloise. Nottingham Forest is also in line to sign Portuguese midfielder Gustavo Sa from Famalicao, with the 21-year-old then expected to move to Greek side Olympiacos on loan.
Crystal Palace’s move for Augsburg’s French defender Chrislain Matsima, 24, has stalled, leading the Eagles to consider other targets. Ipswich Town are reportedly eyeing a move for Standard Liege’s English defender Henry Lawrence, 24, who previously played for Chelsea.
Manchester United are reportedly open to selling Czech goalkeeper Radek Vitek, 22, and English defender Harry Amass, 19, while English midfielders Toby Collyer, 22, and Dan Gore, 21, are also considered surplus to requirements. Manchester United retain an interest in Tchouaméni, but earlier in the window were unsure if the reported fee of around £70m was within their budget. Tchouaméni’s teammate Eduardo Camavinga is also on United’s radar and could cost €50m-€60m.
Source: bbc.com
