Real Madrid News
Manchester City mainstay offered to Real Madrid for €70 million as Florentino Perez faces growing internal pressure
Rodri’s future at Manchester City has become a topic of discussion within Real Madrid, with the Spanish midfielder emerging as an unexpected option in the wake of the club’s midfield assessment.
According to Defensa Central, Rodri has been offered to Real Madrid for a fee in the region of €70 million.
While Florentino Perez has previously shown little interest in pursuing the Spain international, his performances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup have reopened the debate inside the club.
The report claims there is no change to Madrid’s official position, but Rodri’s form has strengthened the argument of those within the hierarchy who believe the opportunity deserves serious consideration.
Rodri’s World Cup displays revive conversation
Before the tournament, Rodri was not considered a realistic target. His age, injury record and contractual situation meant Madrid had looked elsewhere when assessing potential midfield reinforcements.
However, his performances with Spain have prompted fresh discussions.
Several figures within the club reportedly view the Manchester City midfielder as a player capable of making an immediate impact, particularly given his experience and his ability to dictate games from deep.
There is also a belief that the circumstances surrounding his contract could work in Madrid’s favour.
With only one year remaining on his current deal, some decision-makers feel City may be open to negotiating a transfer rather than risk losing him for a reduced fee in the future.
Florentino Perez remains cautious
Despite those internal discussions, the report makes it clear that Florentino Perez has not altered his overall assessment.
The Madrid president is said to have concerns about committing a significant fee to a player approaching the latter stages of his career, particularly one who has dealt with injury problems.
While €70 million is considered a manageable figure for the club, there are doubts over whether it represents the right investment given Rodri’s profile.
Those reservations continue to carry considerable weight, even as other voices within the club argue that his quality and leadership outweigh the potential risks.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid key midfielder ready to start vs Atletico Madrid after strong return from injury
Real Madrid have had a few injuries to contend with since the start of the season, with Aurelien Tchouameni, Thiago Pitarch and Endrick all serving spells on the sidelines.
The trio are back in training now and looking to work their way into Jose Mourinho’s plans after a disrupted pre-season.
Now, according to Alberto Pereiro, Tchouameni appears to be winning the race to return to Real Madrid’s starting XI for the derby against Atletico Madrid.
The 26-year-old is said to be in the best physical condition of the players who have recently returned from injury.
Thiago Pitarch, Endrick and Tchouameni all rejoined team training last week, but the Frenchman is currently considered the most match-ready of the three.
Tchouameni ahead in the recovery race
As such, Tchouameni is now expected to start against Atletico Madrid later this week. That would be an important boost for Mourinho considering the physical nature of the game in store.
Tchouameni gives Real Madrid something very specific in midfield. He can protect the defence, compete in duels, cover large spaces and provide the kind of structure Mourinho values when matches become chaotic.
His return would also allow Real Madrid to approach the game with more balance around Federico Valverde and the attacking players ahead of them.
Mourinho has always valued his profile
Mourinho has been careful with Tchouameni’s recovery rather than rushing him back before he was fully ready.
That patience now looks set to pay off. Madrid have enough technical quality in midfield, but against Atletico, the game is unlikely to be decided by possession alone.
The ability to win second balls, close transition spaces and survive physically intense periods could be just as important.
This is exactly where Tchouameni thrives.
Pitarch and Endrick may need more time
The latest update also suggests Pitarch and Endrick are slightly behind Tchouameni in terms of physical readiness.
That does not necessarily mean either player is unavailable, but it would make sense for Mourinho to manage their minutes more cautiously. The duo are expected to be fully ready after the international break.
Pitarch still has an important role to play in a crowded midfield, while Endrick will be looking to re-establish himself in the attacking rotation after his own injury interruption.
For the derby, neither of those players is likely to be an option for the XI, but Tchouameni will definitely be a great addition.
If he does start, it would underline how highly Mourinho values him in the biggest matches. At the Metropolitano, Madrid may need Tchouameni more than anyone else, and it remains to be seen how things play out.
Jeremy Poynton
July 15, 2026 at 2:15 pm
Oh dear dear dear…
“According to Defensa Central”
Contract extension talks start with Rodri on his return.
Clickbait twaddle