Updated

Updated · Forbes · Aug 6

Rodri's $86.5 Million Real Madrid Move Nears Collapse as $28.5 Million Gap Freezes Talks

Updated

Updated · Forbes · Aug 6

Rodri's $86.5 Million Real Madrid Move Nears Collapse as $28.5 Million Gap Freezes Talks

Q: Will Manchester City use Rodri's recent back surgery to justify a sale, or secure a massive contract extension?

Manchester City look more likely to push for a contract extension than to use Rodri’s back surgery as a reason to sell. The reporting is consistent on that point: City still want him to sign a new long-term deal and remain a central figure under Enzo Maresca, even after the surgery. Club statements described the procedure as “successful minor back surgery” followed by only a “short period of rehabilitation,” which suggests City are presenting it as a manageable issue rather than a red flag that forces a sale. The surgery does, however, strengthen the business case for a sale if Rodri refuses to renew. He is 30, has 11 months left on his contract, and has had an ACL injury, hamstring and groin issues, and now a back problem. If City fear losing him for nothing next summer, cashing in for roughly €65m-€75m could become more rational. That is especially true because Real Madrid are trying to pay less precisely because of his age, contract length and injury history. For now, though, the market signals do not show City trying to offload him on medical grounds. They are resisting Madrid’s discounted offer, and several outlets say they do not want to sell cheaply. If City were using the surgery to justify a sale, they would likely be more flexible on price. So the likely path is this: City try to secure a major extension, but if Rodri remains unwilling to renew, the back surgery becomes part of the valuation debate rather than the main reason for selling.

Q: With negotiations stalled, could a secret call with Hansi Flick lead Rodri to shock Madrid and join Barcelona?

Yes — but only as a realistic opening, not a done deal. Real Madrid’s move has stalled mainly over price and terms. Reports say City want roughly €65m-€75m, while Madrid have tried to stay closer to €50m up front with add-ons, and Rodri’s camp has not been fully convinced either. That has created space for Barcelona to intervene. Several outlets now say Hansi Flick personally spoke to Rodri to explain his role in Barcelona’s midfield, and that the call had an effect. The pitch is straightforward: Rodri would be a central figure, especially with Frenkie de Jong sidelined and Barça wanting more control in midfield. Sources cited by ESPN, Sky Sports News and Barcelona-based reports suggest Rodri is open to Barça and may even prefer the sporting fit. But the shock switch is still far from guaranteed. Barcelona’s main problem is the same one facing Madrid: money. Even if City have lowered their demands somewhat, Barça would still need to assemble a fee package and fit Rodri’s wages into a tight financial framework. Their priority has also been a striker, which could limit room for a major midfield deal. City remain another obstacle. They do not want to sell easily, still hope Rodri signs a new contract, and can argue that a player of his level is worth keeping even into the final year of his deal. So Flick’s call may have changed the direction of the race, but Barcelona still need to solve the finances before any hijack becomes real.

1 articles · Updated · Forbes · Aug 6

$28.5 million separates Manchester City and Real Madrid, leaving Rodri's proposed summer move to the Bernabeu "practically broken" and negotiations frozen, according to reports citing sources close to the deal.
City wants $86.5 million for the 30-year-old midfielder, while Madrid is offering about $58 million plus possible add-ons, betting his contract has only 11 months left.
A four-year contract had been lined up for Rodri, but the current proposal has reportedly failed to convince either City or the player despite Madrid's push for a discounted fee.
Rodri's leverage remains strong after captaining Spain to last month's World Cup title and winning Best Player, reinforcing his value even after a past ACL injury.
SPORT said City may already have lowered its price to about $75 million, suggesting Madrid could revive the deal only with improved terms.

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Forbes14d ago

Rodri's Real Madrid Transfer 'Broken' Over $28.5M Fee Disagreement with Manchester City

Will Manchester City use Rodri's recent back surgery to justify a sale, or secure a massive contract extension?

With negotiations stalled, could a secret call with Hansi Flick lead Rodri to shock Madrid and join Barcelona?

Can Real Madrid afford to lose a prime Ballon d'Or candidate over a €15 million transfer fee dispute?

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1 total

Forbes14d ago

Rodri's Real Madrid Transfer 'Broken' Over $28.5M Fee Disagreement with Manchester City

Rodri's $86.5 Million Real Madrid Move Nears Collapse as $28.5 Million Gap Freezes Talks

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