As reported by Florian Plettenberg of Sky Germany, Real Madrid has accelerated its efforts to sign Manchester City midfielder Rodri, identifying the Spanish international as one of the club’s top transfer priorities.

Following days of internal deliberation, the reigning European champions are working intensively to secure the 30-year-old’s signature. Talks are underway with his camp over a lucrative contract proposal that would keep him at the Santiago Bernabeu until June 2030.

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Secret Meeting in Pozuelo

The operation has moved rapidly from internal discussions to concrete negotiations.

As reported earlier in the week, a “secret meeting” took place recently in Pozuelo, an affluent suburb of Madrid, where club representatives outlined their project to the player’s agents.

Real Madrid is pursuing Rodri. (Photo by Diego Souto/Getty Images)

During these discussions, Real Madrid executives made their intentions clear, offering a four-year deal that reflects their confidence in the midfielder’s longevity and physical condition.

This move indicates a significant shift in strategy from Florentino Perez, who had been previously hesitant. His position has changed after observing Rodri’s dominant performances, including a Golden Ball win at the FIFA World Cup.

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The Manchester City Standoff

While Manchester City remains hopeful of extending the contract of their midfield anchor, the Premier League giants are losing leverage. Rodri has entered the final 12 months of his deal at the Etihad Stadium, which is set to expire in 2027.

City executives aim to avoid a situation where they lose a Ballon d’Or contender for free next summer, but the player’s desire plays a crucial role in the discussions.

Manchester City wants to retain Rodri. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

The journalist emphasizes that a return to Spain is being viewed as a “concrete option” for the World Cup winner, who sees a move to the Bernabeu as the ultimate goal of his career.

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Mourinho’s Tactical Pillar

The pursuit is also being strongly supported by head coach Jose Mourinho, who considers Rodri as the missing piece in his tactical framework.

The Portuguese manager believes Rodri’s addition would strengthen Los Blancos’ core for the coming years and is eager to sign him.

However, negotiations over the transfer fee remain the final challenge, with Manchester City expected to demand a premium despite the player’s uncertain contract situation.