Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is facing intense pressure from the club’s supporters to sign Spain and Manchester City star Rodri – but remains firmly opposed to the deal despite the midfielder’s desire to return home.
Fans clamour for World Cup‐winning star
Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo reports that Real Madrid’s hierarchy has effectively closed the file on Rodri, 30, even after he led Spain to the 2026 World Cup title and was voted the tournament’s best player.
Rodri, who also won the 2024 Ballon d’Or, is under contract with Manchester City until the summer of 2027. City are understood to have previously made him available to Real Madrid, but the approach was not taken up by the La Liga champions.
The apparent refusal to pursue the Spain international has sparked a backlash among Real fans, who have flooded phone‐ins and social media demanding the club act to bring the playmaker to the Santiago Bernabeu.
Their frustration has grown since Spain’s triumphant homecoming celebrations in Madrid, where Rodri was hailed as one of the nation’s great modern midfielders.
Perez stance questioned after Tchouameni renewal
Perez’s resistance to signing Rodri has become a major talking point in the Spanish capital, particularly in light of Real Madrid’s recent decision to extend Aurelien Tchouameni’s contract until 2031.
The French midfielder endured an underwhelming World Cup and, according to critics, has yet to emerge as a true leader of Real’s midfield. Many fans and pundits are now openly questioning why the club has committed long term to Tchouameni while apparently turning its back on a proven world and European champion at the peak of his powers.
For a significant portion of the Real Madrid support, Rodri is viewed as an ideal long‐term successor in the holding role – a player capable of dictating games at the highest level and providing immediate leadership in a side that has undergone major rebuilding in recent seasons.
Injury‐hit club season, stellar World Cup
Rodri’s club campaign in 2025‐26 was disrupted by a series of fitness problems. Returning from a serious injury, he then suffered recurring issues in his knee and hamstring, which sharply limited his involvement for Manchester City.
He featured in just one of City’s final six matches before joining up with Spain for the World Cup. Despite those concerns, Spain coach Luis de la Fuente kept faith in him, a decision that proved decisive as Rodri produced a string of commanding performances on the way to the title and the player of the tournament award.
His resurgence on the global stage has only intensified calls in Spain for Real Madrid to seize what many supporters see as a rare opportunity to sign a world‐class Spanish midfielder in his prime.
Rodri keeps counsel on future
During the World Cup, Rodri consistently refused to be drawn on his club situation or the prospect of a return to La Liga.
He said: “ابتعدت تماما عن كل ذلك. اتفهم ان اسماءنا تتداول في وسايل الاعلام لكنني لا افكر في الامر ولن اتخذ اي قرارات حاليا”.
His stance was interpreted as an attempt to avoid distracting from Spain’s campaign. However, his performances in the tournament have reignited speculation over his next move and fuelled renewed debate at Real Madrid.
Guardiola exit adds to uncertainty
The uncertainty surrounding Rodri’s future has also been heightened by the departure of Pep Guardiola from Manchester City. The Spaniard was one of Guardiola’s most trusted lieutenants and a cornerstone of his system at the Etihad Stadium.
With a new managerial era beginning at City, several key players – including Rodri – have been linked with possible exits, raising questions over whether the midfielder might be more open to a change of scenery.
Even so, for now, Real Madrid’s position appears unchanged. Unless Perez softens his stance, the growing “Sign Rodri” chorus from the stands of the Bernabeu looks set to clash with a boardroom unconvinced that the World Cup’s outstanding player fits into their long‐term planning.
