Man City transfer news: Rodri pushing for Real Madrid move despite being set to undergo back surgery – Sky Sports

Rodri’s future has become the most scrutinised transfer saga in European football this winter. The Manchester City midfielder, fresh off consecutive Ballon d’Or-winning seasons, is pushing for a return to Real Madrid despite facing imminent back surgery. The timing is no accident: with his contract at the Etihad expiring in summer 2025, the 28-year-old is leveraging his position to force a move to the Spanish capital, where Florentino Pérez has now given the green light for a deal.

Why this transfer is accelerating now

Rodri’s contract situation has long loomed over the Etihad. He arrived from Atlético Madrid in 2019 and has been City’s metronome in midfield, but his current deal runs out in summer 2025. Sky Sports reports he is pushing for a move to Madrid, even as he prepares for surgery on a back issue that threatened to disrupt his World Cup preparations. The World Cup itself may have crystallised his decision: his performances in Qatar, where he was named best player at Euro 2024 and then again at the World Cup in December, have only strengthened his market value.

Madrid’s interest is no longer speculative. Pérez initially hesitated over Rodri’s price tag, but reports now suggest the club has approved a deal. That shift coincides with Manchester United’s contingency planning. The Telegraph’s report on Mason Greenwood’s £10m move to Fenerbahçe underscores United’s willingness to cash in on underperforming assets to fund new signings. With Rodri’s exit potentially freeing up funds, United are eyeing replacements—and midfield remains their priority.

United’s midfield reshuffle and Madrid’s domino effect

United have already moved for Rodri’s replacement in the form of Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi, a player who impressed at the World Cup. But the bigger picture involves a potential exodus from Madrid if Rodri arrives. Aurelien Tchouameni, despite a reported new contract, could see his future limited, and United are monitoring his situation closely. The Frenchman’s profile—26 years old, Champions League-winning pedigree—fits Erik ten Hag’s project, though his wage demands would be substantial.

Eduardo Camavinga, 23, is another name United are tracking. The Sky News report on Elliot Anderson’s move to City highlights United’s willingness to spend big in midfield, and Camavinga fits that profile: Champions League winner, versatile, and coveted by multiple Premier League clubs. Chelsea and Arsenal are also in the mix, but United’s financial flexibility—bolstered by Greenwood’s sale—gives them an edge.

What comes next for Rodri and City

Rodri’s surgery will sideline him for weeks, but his push for a Madrid move suggests he’s willing to risk recovery time to secure his long-term future. In his own words, as reported by Diario AS before the World Cup final: “Right now, as I said before the World Cup, I have a contract at my club and it will be something I want to settle when it ends.” The subtext is clear: he’s not waiting for City to offer an extension.

City, meanwhile, are not passive. The club’s £45m bid for Newcastle’s Elliot Anderson—reported by Sky News—signals their intent to replace Rodri if Madrid come calling. Anderson, a World Cup winner with England, would add steel to a midfield that has relied heavily on Rodri’s ball progression. Lille’s Bouaddi, another reported target, would provide a cheaper, younger option if City opt for a phased rebuild rather than a direct swap.

The next 48 hours could define the transfer window. If Madrid finalise terms with Rodri, City will need to act fast to replace him. United, sensing an opportunity, will push for Tchouameni or Camavinga. The dominoes are already falling—and the race to reshape three of Europe’s biggest clubs is only just beginning.

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