Mourinho chooses Rodri to lead the new Real Madrid

Mourinho wants Rodri as the first major signing for Real Madrid to lead his new project from the center of the field.

Raúl Cabrera Jiménez | 17 May 2026 | 23.00
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Mourinho chooses Rodri to lead the new Real Madrid
Mourinho chooses Rodri to lead the new Real Madrid

Premier League
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Bournemouth Man City
19/05/26 20:30:00
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Real Madrid is already working on a scenario of maximum ambition for the upcoming season, and José Mourinho would have very clear what should be the first major move of his new era: Rodri. The Manchester City midfielder appears as the chosen player by the Portuguese coach to transform the white engine room and give the team an immediate dose of hierarchy, control, and competitive character. The club knows it won't be an easy operation, but they also understand that the player's contractual situation could open up an unexpected opportunity.

Mourinho wants to arrive at Real Madrid with a signing that marks territory from day one. His priority is to strengthen the midfield with a proven leader, a player capable of organizing the team, sustaining big games, and providing balance to a squad loaded with offensive talent. Rodri fits into that picture, having won the Ballon d'Or in 2024 and been a key player for Manchester City in recent years. If the midfielder doesn't renew at the Etihad, a figure close to €60 million could become the key to a negotiation of enormous impact.

Real Madrid listens to Mourinho: Rodri is the priority

Mourinho's plan is not about accumulating names but about incorporating profiles that immediately raise the level of competitiveness. The Portuguese believes that Rodri would be much more than a reinforcement: he would be the axis on which to build a stronger, more recognizable, and more prepared Real Madrid to dominate different facets. His reading of the game, his ability to win duels, his composure under pressure, and his experience in crucial nights make him an ideal piece for a project that needs authority from the midfield.

Real Madrid values the fact that Rodri wouldn't need a long adaptation period. He knows LaLiga, has international experience, and has competed for years under maximum demand at Manchester City. Mourinho understands that his arrival would allow for freeing up the interior players, better protecting the defense, and providing more continuity in the game. Therefore, the coach has conveyed to the club that if there is a real option for €60 million, the move must be studied promptly.

Rodri is calm about the negotiations for his contract with Manchester City, as he prefers to focus on the fight for the Premier League against Arsenal | Goal.com Spain

Manchester City does not want to lose its leader

The major obstacle will be Manchester City. The English club has no intention of letting go of Rodri, one of the most important players within its structure. His influence goes far beyond statistics. He organizes the team, corrects positions, sets the pace, and provides a security that very few midfielders in the world can guarantee. That's why at the Etihad, they are working to secure him and prevent his future from entering a phase of uncertainty.

However, the market could change if the player decides not to extend his contract. In that scenario, the €60 million would start to carry a different weight. Manchester City would have to consider whether to maintain a firm stance or to accept negotiations before the contractual situation reduces their room for maneuver. Mourinho knows it, and so does Real Madrid. The operation will only be possible if the player opens the door, but the interest from Real Madrid is already on the table.

€60 million for Mourinho's first blow

The €60 million figure is very attractive for a player of Rodri's caliber. Under normal circumstances, Manchester City would ask for much more, but the contract can completely alter the scenario. For Mourinho, it would be a strategic investment. Not only would he be signing an elite midfielder but also a leader ready to bear the weight of an enormous dressing room and compete for all titles from day one.

Real Madrid will have to tread carefully, as an operation of this magnitude requires discretion, patience, and a clear signal from the player. Mourinho has already expressed his preference and wants the club to act if an opportunity arises. Rodri is his great desire, Manchester City will try to keep him, and the €60 million could turn the case into one of the biggest stories of the summer. If the move progresses, Real Madrid could give Mourinho the signing he needs to start his new cycle with an authoritative move.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Mourinho elige a Rodri para liderar el nuevo Real Madrid

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