Premier League
Rodri Hernández, a 30-year-old midfielder, has asked to leave Manchester City to become the star signing of Real Madrid, but the English club demands €70 million, including variables. His contract ends on June 30, 2027, and the negotiation threatens to extend during the summer market.
The agreement between Rodri Hernández and the white club is on track, but there is still an economic difference between the two entities. Madrid started contacts with a verbal proposal close to €50 million, an amount lower than the valuation set in Manchester.
Manchester City sets the price for Rodri Hernández
Manchester City does not plan to lower the €70 million requested for Rodri. The English entity believes it can keep the player throughout the 2026/27 season, even if it means risking losing him without a transfer when his contract expires.
The City's stance reflects its usual sales policy. The club allows negotiations for the departure of players seeking a change but only accepts operations that meet the valuation set by its sports management.
Real Madrid expected to finalize the signing more quickly after reaching an understanding with the player. However, the initial difference of approximately €20 million has slowed down an operation that the white club hoped to close in the early days of August.
Rodri has expressed his intention to leave England but maintains a close relationship with the club he has played for since 2019. For that reason, he does not consider publicly pressuring the negotiation or breaking ties with the entity that still owns his rights.
Real Madrid must improve its initial proposal
The Madrid sports management will have to decide whether to reach the €70 million mark using a fixed amount plus variables. The first approach was around €50 million, while other reports published during the past week raised English demands to €80 million.
The final year of Rodri Hernández's contract allows room for negotiation for Madrid but does not force City to sell. The English team believes the midfielder's sporting contribution over a full season can offset the cost of letting him leave for free in 2027.
The operation is also conditioned by the economic needs of the LaLiga team. Madrid is working on other high-value moves and needs to free up space in the squad before completing new acquisitions.

Ayyoub Bouaddi does not determine Rodri's exit
While negotiating with Madrid, City is also in talks with Lille for Ayyoub Bouaddi, an 18-year-old Moroccan midfielder. The French club has set his value around €100 million, although they are considering formulas that include a loan or a deferred agreement.
The English team has progressed in Bouaddi's personal conditions, but the transfer with Lille has not been finalized yet. His potential arrival does not imply that City will accept a lower offer for Rodri, as both players could be part of the squad for the upcoming season.
The next step is up to Real Madrid, which will need to approach the €70 million mark or wait for progress in the market. Rodri Hernández will maintain his request to leave, but the outcome will depend on a new offer that satisfies Manchester City before the close of the transfer window.
This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El Real Madrid se desespera por Rodri
