Real Madrid stalls Rodri pursuit to lock in Diomandé

Real Madrid have temporarily slowed their pursuit of Manchester City midfielder Rodri while finalising the signing of RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomandé, whose five‑year contract is now close to completion after personal terms were agreed. The club’s hierarchy decided to complete the Ivorian’s arrival before resuming negotiations with Manchester City, keeping the Spanish midfielder a priority for José Mourinho’s squad.

José Félix Díaz of AS reported that the club’s hierarchy decided to complete the Ivorian’s arrival before resuming negotiations with Manchester City, even though the Spanish midfielder remains a priority for José Mourinho’s squad. The decision underscores Real Madrid’s intent to secure the winger while keeping Rodri on the radar.

The Diomande deal is now in its final stage, with personal terms fully agreed and the 21‑year‑old signing a five‑year contract with Real Madrid. Only legal and administrative details remain before the transfer can be officially completed.

Initially the agreement was expected to be wrapped up at the start of this week, but disagreements over several contractual clauses between the two clubs delayed the process. Despite the setback, Real Madrid remain confident the transfer will be completed in time for Diomandé to join Mourinho’s squad before the end of the week. The Diomand signing is set to be completed soon.

As a result, attention has shifted away from Rodri, at least temporarily, with initial contact with Manchester City postponed while the club finalises other transfer business. The delay does not reflect any change in Real Madrid’s intentions, and after weeks of internal debate, club president Florentino Pérez approved the move, keeping Rodri as the ideal midfielder to complete Mourinho’s squad.

Rodri is still viewed as a €100 million investment, with his World Cup performances and recent accolades – including the 2024 Ballon d’Or and the Golden Ball at the 2026 World Cup – strengthening his case. His current level, physical condition and leadership qualities have dispelled many doubts that previously surrounded the deal.

Official presentations of the new signings will be delayed as Pérez is currently away from Madrid. Real Madrid plan to unveil all arrivals together once the president returns, although Diomandé could make an unofficial debut in the upcoming preseason match against Fiorentina.