Rodri's future has moved from quiet Madrid interest to a live three-way chase. Paris Saint Germain have opened direct contact with Manchester City, while Real Madrid are still described as the frontrunners and Barcelona have also contacted his representatives.

PSG's late move

RMC Sport, reporting via goal.com, said Paris Saint Germain have made contact with Manchester City to explore a move for the Spain international, just as Real Madrid appeared to be closing in on a deal. That changes the shape of the race, even if it does not settle it.

The same reporting says Madrid have already reached a verbal agreement with Rodri. That claim is being treated as a report rather than a finished deal, and PSG's move shows there is still enough uncertainty for another club to step in.

Rodri's appeal is easy to see. He has won 13 major trophies with Manchester City, became the first City player to win the Ballon d'Or in 2024, and has made more than 300 appearances for the club.

Madrid's case and City's leverage

The football argument for Madrid is straightforward. The Hard Tackle described Rodri as the midfielder who can restore Real Madrid's control, calm and rhythm in the middle of the park, which is exactly the sort of profile they have been chasing since the departures of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric.

Aurélien Tchouaméni is still the current reference point in that debate, but Rodri is the cleaner fit if the aim is to add authority in possession and control games from the centre.

City also have plenty of leverage in any sale discussion because they are not dealing with an ordinary player. Rodri has already played 8 games at the 2026 World Cup, posted a 7.57 rating and logged 745 minutes, which is the level of involvement elite clubs want from a midfielder entering his peak.

Barcelona's contact through his representatives keeps the picture open. For now, Madrid may still be in front, but PSG have made sure this is no longer a one-club story.

FAQ

Is Rodri actually close to joining Real Madrid?

Reports say Real Madrid are still the frontrunners and have reached a verbal agreement with Rodri, but PSG have now opened contact with Manchester City and Barcelona have also spoken to his representatives. The move is not done.

Why are PSG involved in the Rodri transfer race?

PSG have moved from background interest to direct contact with Manchester City. That has turned Rodri's future into a three-way chase, with Real Madrid still described as the frontrunners and Barcelona also in the picture.

What makes Rodri such a big transfer target this summer?

Rodri has won 13 major trophies with Manchester City, became their first Ballon d'Or winner in 2024, and has made more than 300 appearances for the club. He is also active at the 2026 World Cup, with 8 games, a 7.57 rating and 745 minutes.

Written by Sam Whitfield with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 3 outlets. How we work →