Real Madrid wants to swap Rodrygo and Camavinga for Rodri; Manchester City rejects deal
Real Madrid’s bold attempt to sign Rodri from Manchester City has been firmly rejected, despite offering Rodrygo, Eduardo Camavinga, and an additional €40 million as part of the package. The Spanish club’s proposal was designed to land one of Pep Guardiola’s most crucial players, but City remains unwilling to part ways with the midfielder under any terms.
According to Caught Offside, the Merengue board believed the combined appeal of Rodrygo and Camavinga both admired by Guardiola plus the cash incentive would be enough to open negotiations. However, City made it clear that Rodri, a vital cog in the club’s system, is non-transferable.
Rodri Key to Guardiola’s System
The 28-year-old Spanish international is considered indispensable at Manchester City. Often described as the engine of the team, Rodri orchestrates the midfield, provides tactical balance, and is viewed as one of the best in his position worldwide. Guardiola has long emphasized Rodri’s irreplaceability in both domestic and European campaigns.
Florentino Pérez’s Long-Term Pursuit
Despite the rejection, Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez remains fixated on bringing Rodri to the Santiago Bernabéu. The midfielder is reportedly Pérez’s top transfer priority, both for his technical quality and his Spanish roots he hails from Madrid.
Sources indicate that if a transfer is not possible this summer, Real Madrid is prepared to revisit the deal in 2026–27, when Rodri enters the final year of his contract with Manchester City. The Spanish giants are confident that they can eventually sway both player and club, especially if contract renewal talks in Manchester stall.
Strategic Role at Madrid
Rodri is admired within the Madrid camp not only for his elite skill set but also for his leadership potential in a post-Toni Kroos era. With Xabi Alonso expected to take over as head coach in 2025, the club sees Rodri as a mentor figure for younger talents and a future cornerstone of its midfield.
While Manchester City begins planning a contract extension, reports suggest Rodri is starting to view a move to Real Madrid favorably though no formal negotiations have begun on that front.
For now, City’s stance is clear: Rodri is staying in Manchester. But in Valdebebas, the dream remains alive.
