Real Madrid greenlight Rodri pursuit as club-to-club talks with Manchester City begin

Real Madrid have reversed course on Rodri and are now actively negotiating with Manchester City for the Spanish midfielder, according to insider. Romano reports that Florentino Perez has authorized the club's hierarchy to open direct discussions with the Premier League champions. The decision marks a significant shift from just weeks ago, when Perez was reluctant to pursue a deal partly because Rodri had been named as a target by presidential rival Enrique Riquelme during the election campaign. "The big update today is regarding Rodri," Romano stated. "Florentino Perez has given the green light to Real Madrid management to proceed with talks. Real Madrid have approached Manchester City, with club-to-club talks starting over the last 12 hours. After contacts between Rodri, his agent and Real Madrid, we now have direct discussions between Real Madrid and Manchester City." Manager Jose Mourinho is understood to have pushed for the move, persuading Perez that Rodri's quality makes him an essential addition to the midfield. Internal sources noted that influential figures on the Real Madrid board convinced Perez that this opportunity had to be explored. Negotiations are at an early stage. Real Madrid have indicated they are willing to go above the reported €50 million valuation, potentially reaching around €60 million. Rodri's Estimated Transfer Value sits at €65.8 million. City, aware of interest from other clubs, have not yet given a definitive response and are assessing whether additional bidders will emerge. Rodri, 28, is under contract at the Etihad until 2027 and has made clear his desire to return to his homeland. Romano confirmed the player is prioritizing Real Madrid: "He is giving priority to Real Madrid and is extremely excited about the possibility of joining the club. If another club wants to change the dynamic, it would require huge money or an incredible project." The situation echoes last summer's Bernardo Silva saga, when Real Madrid were initially out of the race before Mourinho's arrival prompted a U-turn and eventual signing. Romano added: "That is how the market works sometimes, and now Rodri is a similar situation."