Why Rodri's transfer to Real Madrid is now on hold

The duration is reportedly agreed, but the conditions offered to the Spanish midfielder are not convincing him

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Why Rodri's transfer to Real Madrid is now on hold

The Rodri saga is cooling off at Real Madrid. In addition to a contractual disagreement with the player, there remains a persistent financial gap with Manchester City.

After ramping up their efforts to sign Yan Diomandé, Real Madrid has now made Rodri their main focus. Florentino Pérez had long expressed doubts over the 30-year-old midfielder's age and physical condition. But his performances at the 2026 World Cup, where he was named player of the tournament, finally convinced the Madrid board. The 2024 Ballon d'Or winner was reportedly close to reaching an agreement with Real Madrid, but negotiations have since become much more complicated.

Rodri reportedly unconvinced by contract offer

According to Sport, the transfer is now virtually frozen due to a disagreement between Rodri and the Madrid hierarchy. The Spanish international has supposedly agreed to a four-year deal in principle, but considers the contract offer unsatisfactory. The problem, therefore, does not lie in the length of the deal, but in the overall terms proposed by Real Madrid.

The specific contested clauses have not been disclosed. However, Rodri reportedly feels the offer does not match his stature, his trophy haul, or the key role he would be expected to play at the Santiago Bernabéu. Talks have become particularly tense and his arrival is now far from guaranteed.

Manchester City said to demand up to €80 million

The player's contract is not the only stumbling block. Real Madrid also needs to find common ground with Manchester City. According to Sky Germany, the English club is demanding €75 million, while other estimates put the figure as high as €80 million.

Madrid reportedly does not want to go above €50 million, or €60 million including bonuses. That leaves a gap of €15 to €30 million, depending on the estimates. Even though Rodri has only one year left on his contract, City could use FC Barcelona's interest to drive up the price.

🚨🔵🔴 Barcelona have made contact with Rodri’s camp and also with Manchester City about possible move.

Real Madrid have been in talks with City for weeks but #MCFC didn’t accept to proceed immediately as felt more clubs were joining the race.

Up to the player. 🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/JXwedANwIF
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 6, 2026

The final say will go to Rodri

Despite the contractual hurdles, the deal remains open. According to Fabrizio Romano, both Real Madrid and FC Barcelona are prepared to offer a similar fee to Manchester City. The choice of destination will therefore be up to the Spanish midfielder.

"The decision will be entirely up to Rodri, as both Real Madrid and FC Barcelona are ready to pay a similar fee to Manchester City," explained the Italian journalist,

before adding: "Rodri has been in negotiations for several weeks with Real Madrid, who remain his priority, but Barcelona have also positioned themselves as the deal with Madrid remains unresolved."

🚨🇪🇸 The decision will be completely up to Rodri, as Real Madrid and Barcelona both ready to pay similar transfer fee to City.

Rodri has been in negotiations with Real Madrid for weeks as priority but Barcelona positioned themselves as well while Madrid deal isn’t done yet. pic.twitter.com/Bvxsdx2wBu
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 6, 2026

Injuries partly explain Madrid's caution

Real Madrid's stance is also shaped by the Spanish midfielder's recent injury history. Rodri suffered a serious knee injury in September 2024, then endured several muscular scares during the 2025–26 season. After his World Cup triumph, the player also underwent minor back surgery.

These setbacks, combined with his age, are prompting Los Blancos to limit their investment and contractual guarantees. Rodri, however, believes his output and status warrant a greater effort. This difference in valuation is now the main sticking point.

Why Rodri remains a Real Madrid priority

Since joining Manchester City in 2019, Rodri has made 282 appearances, scored 27 goals, and provided 32 assists, winning 13 trophies. His honours include the 2023 Champions League, four consecutive Premier League titles, the 2023 Nations League, Euro 2024, and the 2026 World Cup.

His press resistance, passing quality, positional sense, and tempo control are exactly what Real Madrid needs. Since the departures of Toni Kroos and Luka Modrić, Madrid have lacked a true orchestrator to secure build-up play and dictate the pace of matches. Rodri is thus almost the perfect fit, but Madrid will need to improve their contract offer and get closer to City's demands if they want to prevent Barça from capitalizing on the situation.