Real Madrid kick off Rodri chase with €60m opening bid after City star asks to leave

Rodri has told Manchester City he wants to move to Real Madrid, handing the Premier League champions a major transfer headache just months after he was named the best player of the 2026 World Cup. The 30-year-old Spanish midfielder rejected City's latest contract extension offer and made it clear he sees his future at the Santiago Bernabéu - whether that happens in January or next summer when his current deal expires. Real Madrid wasted no time testing City's resolve, lodging an initial bid worth around €60 million. City, however, are holding out for at least €80 million, meaning the two clubs are still some way apart in their valuations. Personal terms are already agreed: Rodri has signed off on a contract with Madrid through 2030. Now it's down to the clubs to bridge the gap.