Real Madrid interest in Manchester City superstar shut down for 2025 | OneFootball

Manchester City will not be fielding any active movement from Real Madrid when it comes to superstar midfielder Rodri, new reports have confirmed.

The side hailing from the Spanish capital have long been credited with interest in Rodri, with some previous suggestions indicating that the player was among those admired by officials at the Santiago Bernabéu as part of their longer-term midfield succession planning.

However, those ambitions appear to have been shelved – at least for now, with Rodri’s commanding presence at the base of Manchester City’s midfield making him arguably the most influential player in Pep Guardiola’s system in recent seasons.

His performances, leadership, and defining contributions in major matches – perhaps most notably in the 2023 UEFA Champions League final – have made him irreplaceable in Guardiola’s eyes and virtually untouchable in the market for City officials.

Earlier this month, reports in Spain hinted that Real Madrid had internally discussed a potential approach involving a blockbuster proposal. As claimed in one such report, Carlo Ancelotti’s side were even said to be considering offering two of their own players plus a transfer fee in order to prise Rodri away from the Etihad Stadium.

Manchester City, however, have never shown any willingness to entertain a sale, and their stance has now seemingly cooled Madrid’s initial intrigue.

That is according to the information of The Athletic’s Mario Cortegana, who insists that the Spanish giants are not considering a move for Rodri this summer.

It is explained that with the player having just recovered from a serious knee injury, and being 29-years-old plus contracted with Manchester City until 2027, the Santiago Bernabeu board are not actively working on a deal for the Spain international Ballon d’Or winner.

From a City perspective, Rodri remains one of the few players in the squad deemed truly non-transferable, even amid rising interest from Europe’s elite. The 29-year-old is central not only to Guardiola’s plans but also to the leadership structure in the dressing room.

There is also no urgency for Manchester City to negotiate a contract renewal, with the Spaniard locked into terms until 2027. A possible extension may be explored at a later date – particularly given Rodri’s rising profile and Ballon d’Or success – with the club keen to reflect his successes and importance to them through an improved contract.

Speculation around Rodri’s future is unlikely to vanish entirely, especially as Real Madrid plan for life beyond Luka Modrić and Toni Kroos. However, a move in 2025 or beyond would likely only materialise under drastically different circumstances – either through a change of strategy in Manchester, or a player-led decision.