Soccer
Real Madrid make first advances to Rodri as the summer's biggest transfer drama begins
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Every summer is dominated by one huge transfer story, and Real Madrid have reportedly made the first move in what could be 2026's biggest saga.
The Spanish giants have already made significant moves in the market this window, but their latest approach could be the defining moment of the window.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Madrid have opened talks with Manchester City with a view to signing midfielder linchpin Rodri.
A real deal
The move to bring Spain's World Cup-winning captain and the tournament's Golden Ball winner to the Bernabeu has been given the green light by president Florentino Perez, and negotiations have now begun between the two clubs.
A deal in the region of €50m has been suggested as a fee for the former Ballon d'Or winner, who is out of contract at The Etihad in the summer of 2027.
The 30-year-old is said to be keen to return to Spain, and with him only having a year on his contract, City must decide whether to stick or twist with one of their most influential players at a time when they are beginning a new season without Pep Guardiola.
They have already recruited Eliott Anderson to bolster their midfield, and remain interested in Morocco's World Cup upstart Ay Bouaddi, but they were hopeful of keeping Rodri at the club.
A new Madrid Visionhaus/Getty Images
A move to Madrid would continue the rebuild for Real, who go into the new campaign with Jose Mourinho in charge for his second spell with the club.
They have already brought in Marc Cucurella, Denzel Dumfries and Ibrahima Konate to reshape their backline, as well as Rodri's former City teammate Bernardo Silva to add some dynamism to midfield.
It's believed the Spanish side want the deal wrapped up before Rodri reports back for pre-season training at City, although the midfielder has just undergone surgery on a minor back injury.
Earlier this month, new Man City boss Enzo Maresca had signalled his intent to keep him at the club, but following this opening gambit from Madrid, it seems his future could be in the Spanish capital.
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