Real Madrid + Rodrygo and Camavinga’s €40 million bid for Rodri rejected by Manchester City

Guardiola blocks blockbuster swap as Los Blancos eye long-term move for Spanish midfielder

In an audacious attempt to land Rodri, Real Madrid offered Rodrygo, Eduardo Camavinga, and an additional €40 million as part of a mega-deal proposal to Manchester City. Despite the generous offer, the Premier League champions have firmly rejected the approach, deeming Rodri untouchable.

According to a report by Caught Offside, Madrid believed the proposal would entice City given Rodrygo and Camavinga are admired by Pep Guardiola. However, sources close to the English club say losing Rodri was never an option. The Spanish midfielder remains central to Guardiola’s tactical system and is seen as the irreplaceable anchor between defense and attack.

Rodri: The Heartbeat of City’s Midfield

Rodri’s influence at Manchester City cannot be overstated. Widely regarded as one of the best midfielders in the world, the 28-year-old Spaniard was instrumental in City’s recent domestic and European triumphs. His deep-lying playmaking, defensive intelligence, and leadership make him the most important cog in Guardiola’s well-oiled machine.

While Rodrygo and Camavinga are both young, proven, and talented and while €40 million (approx. R$259 million) sweetens the offer City see Rodri’s value as irreplaceable, especially following the departures of Ilkay Gündogan and Fernandinho in previous seasons.

Florentino Pérez Still Dreaming of Rodri

Despite the rejection, Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez has not given up on Rodri. The player is reportedly seen at Valdebebas as the ideal successor to recently retired Toni Kroos and a leader capable of mentoring the club’s next generation, including Xabi Alonso, should he eventually take over as manager.

Sources suggest that if a deal isn’t possible now, Madrid will make another attempt in 2026–27, when Rodri will enter the final year of his contract with City.

City Planning Extension Amid Real Interest

Manchester City are fully aware of the growing admiration Rodri holds for Madrid, his hometown club. The Premier League side is already working behind the scenes to secure a contract extension, hoping to fend off any future interest from Spain.

While City remain confident in their project and in Guardiola’s ability to retain key players, the allure of returning to Spain  particularly to Real Madrid could be a factor in future negotiations.

Why Rodri Fits Madrid’s Vision

Rodri checks all the boxes for Real Madrid: he is Spanish, from Madrid, a natural leader, and one of the most technically gifted midfielders in Europe. Within the club, there is a strong belief that he could fill the leadership void left by Kroos and become a long-term pillar of the team.

Madrid view him as more than a transfer target they see him as a cultural and tactical fit who embodies the next phase of their midfield evolution.