RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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SportsMoney Rodri To Real Madrid Transfer ‘Broken’ After Key Turn By Tom Sanderson ,
Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Tom Sanderson has been primarily based in Barcelona since 2019. Follow Author Aug 06, 2026, 04:10am EDT --:-- / --:-- This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more . This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more . Summary Rodri's anticipated transfer to Real Madrid is reportedly "almost broken" due to a significant price disagreement between Manchester City and Real Madrid. City initially demanded $86.5 million, later dropping to $75 million, while Madrid offered only $58 million, citing Rodri's age and contract status. Despite Rodri's recent World Cup success and peak form, Real Madrid's President Florentino Perez seeks a bargain. Negotiations are now frozen, potentially opening the door for FC Barcelona to enter the race, as the revised asking price might be affordable for them, despite their primary need being a striker. Rodri's future remains uncertain.
Rodri 's potential summer transfer to Real Madrid is 'almost broken' according to SPORT , which cited anonymous sources close to the deal.
The main sticking point is a failure to reach an agreement between Manchester City and Real Madrid.
As already reported, the Mancunians see Rodri’s asking price as $86.5 million (€75 million), yet Madrid only wants to pay $58 million (€50 million) and perhaps reach the rest in variables.
It is because of Rodri already being in the last 11 months of his contract that Madrid President Florentino Perez seeks a bargain for the 30-year-old with an injury history.
As he proved when leading Spain to a World Cup triumph last month, however, where he was voted the Best Player, Rodri’s previous ACL tear is well behind him. He’s evidently still at the peak of his powers, as a candidate to scoop a second Ballon d’Or in Paris later this year.
SPORT cites anonymous sources close to the potential deal, who explain that it’s “practically broken” and will be “difficult to redirect unless Madrid do not make a significant effort”.
Rodri was about to sign a four year contract at the Bernabeu. Yet the Spanish giant’s proposal hasn’t convinced anyone - neither City nor Rodri - meaning negotiations are now frozen.
SPORT actually says that Rodri could cost as relatively little as $75 million (€65 million), meaning City has dropped its asking price.
That’s affordable for a club like Barça which is chasing Julian Alvarez for upwards of $115 million (€100 million)’; though granted Hansi Flick needs a new striker far more in the wake of Robert Lewandowski ’s exit and Ferran Torres ’ potential move to Paris Saint-Germain.
As opposed to Real Madrid, midfield is not an area where the Catalans lack talent. It’s a superiority in that area of the pitch compared to its El Clasico rival which has meant picking up five out of six domestic pieces of silverware in the last two seasons, while Madrid has finished them trophyless.
But we’re talking about Rodri here, who would give Flick further control alongside Pedri during an era where Frenkie de Jong is once again injured. Making an approach might be worthwhile, before Real Madrid possibly gets its house in order then returns to City and Rodri’s camp with improved terms.
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