Real Madrid News
Real Madrid receive boost as Manchester City reach agreement with Rodri replacement – report
Real Madrid are in negotiations with Manchester City to try to sign World Cup winner Rodri this summer.
The Spaniard has less than 12 months left on his current deal with the English club, and he seems inclined towards moving back to Madrid.
Although City maintain a stance that they want to retain Rodri’s services and get him to agree to a new deal, they may be fighting a losing battle.
City preparing for life after Rodri
Now, according to Mundo Deportivo, Real Madrid’s pursuit of Rodri appears to have received another significant boost, with City reaching an agreement to sign his potential replacement.
City have agreed personal terms with Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, with the 18-year-old emerging as the club’s preferred replacement for Rodri.
While the transfer has not yet been completed, negotiations seem to be on the right track.
The report claims Manchester City have accepted that keeping Rodri is becoming increasingly difficult.
That has accelerated the search for a successor, with Bouaddi now identified as the leading candidate.
The teenager, who had a breakout World Cup campaign, has accepted the Etihad as his next destination, although discussions with Lille on the transfer fee are ongoing.
Bouaddi deal could clear Real Madrid’s path
The proposed move is expected to cost City around €100 million, underlining how highly the Premier League club rate the Morocco international.
Lille would prefer Bouaddi to remain for another season, but Man City are keen to bring him in immediately so he can begin adapting to the demands of English football.
Enzo Maresca and company could make that decision on whether they want him this season or the next depending on whether they manage to convince Rodri to stay.
Encouraging signs for Real Madrid
Finding a successor before completing the sale of a world-class player is common practice for Europe’s biggest clubs, and City’s actions suggest they are actively planning for that possibility.
However, Los Blancos still have work to do to get City to agree to a fee.
It is understandable why the Spanish club want Rodri so badly. He has the ability to make their midfield look completely different and reach a whole new level.
Although injuries may not have been kind to him in the last couple of seasons, Rodri showed at the World Cup that he remains the best defensive midfielder in the world when fit.
The Spaniard has now undergone surgery on a minor back problem, and he will hope that he can remain fit for a sustained period once he returns.
The Bouaddi operation clears the path for Real Madrid to an extent, especially considering Manchester City have also signed Elliott Anderson.
Everything points to Rodri wearing Madrid’s white sooner rather than later, and it remains to be seen how the negotiations play out.
Real Madrid News
Versatile Real Madrid star refuses to change plans despite reduced playing time under Mourinho
Brahim Diaz has no intention of changing his plans at Real Madrid despite his recent loss of playing time under José Mourinho, according to Bernabeu Digital.
The Moroccan international began the 2026/27 season as a trusted member of Mourinho’s plans and was handed regular starts during the pre-season.
His position has since become less secure, with fierce competition for places in Real Madrid’s attacking positions pushing him further down the pecking order.
However, that change has not altered Brahim’s thinking.
The 27-year-old, who has played just two La Liga matches, clocking a mere 77 minutes, chose to remain at the Santiago Bernabeu during the summer despite understanding that establishing himself as an undisputed starter would be difficult.
His decision was based on a desire to compete for his place rather than seek a new club where regular minutes might have been easier to find.
Interestingly, that stance remains unchanged.
Brahim determined to fight for his place
Brahim’s situation has developed considerably since the beginning of the season.
Mourinho initially showed considerable faith in the attacking midfielder, giving him opportunities from the start and making him part of the team’s plans.
As the competitive campaign started, competition in the attacking positions has increased his difficulty in maintaining a starting role.
The loss of minutes could easily have prompted Brahim to reconsider his future, particularly after he opted to stay during the summer.
Instead, the report claims the player remains committed to Real Madrid and intends to fight for opportunities whenever they arrive.
His objective is to earn Mourinho’s confidence again and demonstrate that he deserves a more prominent role.
Mourinho’s trust is now key
The biggest challenge for Brahim is rebuilding his relationship with Mourinho on the pitch.
The manager’s early confidence gave the forward momentum at the beginning of the campaign, but his subsequent reduction in minutes means he now has to convince Mourinho that he can once again become an important part of the starting XI.
Brahim is aware of the competition around him and does not appear to expect an immediate change in his circumstances. Instead, his approach is based on patience and consistent work.
