Real Madrid unwilling to pay top price for Rodri

The Madrid club won't go above €50m, while Barça have reportedly pulled out

Europe Today at 08:00

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Real Madrid unwilling to pay top price for Rodri

José Mourinho's top priority, Rodri remains at the center of a financial tug-of-war between Manchester City and a determined Real Madrid, who are keen to keep negotiations alive.

Real Madrid are not giving up on Rodri, but the financial gap between the clubs remains significant. According to COPE, Manchester City are demanding €80 million to let their defensive midfielder go.

The Madrid board is hoping to close the deal around €40 million and are unwilling to go above a self-imposed limit of €50 million. This major difference is stalling negotiations, though the Spanish giants are expected to keep pushing in the days ahead.

Manchester City stand firm on Rodri's valuation

At 30, Rodri has just won the 2026 World Cup with Spain, earning the title of best player of the tournament. Manchester City believe his sporting importance and current level fully justify a hefty transfer fee.

However, the length of his contract slightly weakens City's position. The Spanish midfielder will be a free agent in June 2027 and has yet to accept the extension offer put forward by the Skyblues. City must now choose between lowering their demands this summer or risking losing Rodri for nothing in a year's time.

The player is said to favor a switch to Real Madrid, but no official agreement has been announced between the parties. The coming negotiations will determine whether a compromise can be struck between the €50 million offered by Los Merengues and the €80 million demanded.

Barça turn attention to Azzedine Ounahi

FC Barcelona also considered signing Rodri after Frenkie de Jong suffered a serious right knee injury. The Dutchman has a ruptured medial collateral ligament and could be sidelined for several months.

The cost of the operation and Rodri’s preference for Madrid have reportedly cooled the Catalans’ interest. Instead, Barça have turned their sights to Azzedine Ounahi as a more affordable solution. The Moroccan midfielder from Girona offers a different profile, but his price tag is much more in line with Barcelona’s current financial situation.