Real Madrid phones Manchester City to deny €60m Rodri link

Real Madrid contacted Manchester City directly to refute personal terms had already been settled with Spain international Rodri, a rumor that suggested a €60 million move to the Santiago Bernabéu. Senior figures at the club’s Valdebebas training complex expressed fury at the circulating claims.

Real Madrid insisted no pre‑agreed agreement exists and described the narrative as completely unfounded, emphasizing the seriousness of the rumor cycle that threatens the club’s image.

Diario AS reported that the Spanish capital’s officials took the unusual step of calling City officials, highlighting the rarity of a club‑to‑club phone call in modern transfer dealings.

Officials at Valdebebas described the link between Rodri and the Bernabéu as far removed from reality, stating that Madrid is fuming over the false agreement reports.

Strategically, the club’s senior staff argue that Rodri’s profile does not match José Mourinho’s building plan, noting the Portuguese coach’s preference for a more direct, vertical style compared with the midfielder’s success in a possession‑heavy, short‑passing system.

While a minority within the Bernabéu hierarchy admire Rodri, citing his World Cup Golden Ball performance, the dominant institutional position remains that he does not fit Mourinho’s current model.

On Manchester City’s side, Rodri has rejected a new contract and is entering the final year of his deal, prompting the club to entertain offers in the region of €60 million.

With Pep Guardiola’s departure and Enzo Maresca overseeing the transition, City does not wish a key asset to run down his contract without compensation.

Complicating any potential move, Rodri is set to miss the start of the 2026‑27 campaign after back surgery, meaning any interested club would acquire a player unavailable for the opening weeks.

Rodri has expressed a desire to return to La Liga, though he has kept public comments on the specifics respectful and limited.

The direct phone call allows Real Madrid to protect its reputation by halting misinformation, while Manchester City retains leverage over a valuable midfielder whose contract and fitness issues now shape any future transfer scenario.