Man City slash asking price as Real Madrid move for Rodri edges closer

Manchester City have reduced their valuation of Rodri to €80m, according to reports in Spain, in a move that could accelerate the midfielder’s long-discussed transfer to Real Madrid.

Spanish journalist Sergio Valentin says City have lowered their financial demands for the Spain international, who is entering the final year of his contract and has, he reports, firmly rejected an extension in search of a new challenge.

Valentin, posting on his official account on X, claims the Premier League champions were initially expected to seek in excess of €100m for the 30-year-old but have now surprised suitors by indicating they would accept €80m for the Ballon d’Or-winning midfielder.

That revised price is understood to have significantly boosted Real Madrid’s hopes of completing what would be one of the standout deals of the transfer window.

Real Madrid encouraged by price shift

Real Madrid, Valentin reports, had been preparing an opening offer in the region of €60m and were braced for lengthy negotiations given City’s anticipated triple-figure valuation.

However, the suggestion that the English club are prepared to do business at €80m has been interpreted inside the Bernabeu as a major breakthrough, raising expectations that an agreement can be struck at a fee somewhere between the two figures.

According to Valentin, Rodri has already made clear that a move to the Santiago Bernabeu is his preferred option and has framed the transfer as “a dream” he wants to realise this summer.

City keen to avoid losing Rodri for free

The shift in stance from Manchester City is described as a strategic decision by the club’s hierarchy, who are said to be determined not to risk losing one of their key assets on a free transfer when his current deal expires.

With the player reported to be unwilling to sign fresh terms, City are now prepared to cash in at a lower figure than many in the market had anticipated, rather than keep him for one final season and see him depart without a fee.

That calculation appears to have opened the door for Real Madrid to move more confidently, with the Spanish club sensing an opportunity to secure a player they see as central to their next era.

Madrid see ‘historic’ midfield addition

Inside Real Madrid, Valentin reports, there is growing optimism that the operation can be completed, with senior figures viewing Rodri as a potentially “historic” addition to their midfield over the coming years.

Officials at the club believe that, should the deal be finalised, the Spain international would significantly strengthen Carlo Ancelotti’s options in the centre of the pitch and help shape the team in the medium term.

For now, negotiations are expected to focus on closing the gap between Madrid’s initial €60m planning figure and City’s €80m request, with all sides aware that the player’s contractual situation and stated desire to join Real Madrid are likely to influence the final outcome.