Overview
- Real Madrid has opened official negotiations with Manchester City to try to sign midfielder Rodri, with Spanish outlets reporting talks began this week and both clubs holding price positions that media place around €50m from Madrid and about €60m from City.
- Rodri has one year left on his Manchester City contract, recently underwent a minor back operation, and has told Madrid he prefers a return to Spain, factors that strengthen Real’s leverage in the talks.
- The club’s recent heavy spending — including a reported €135m deal for Yan Diomandé and signings such as Bernardo Silva and Cucurella — has created roster congestion that Real plans to relieve through sales and loans if Rodri arrives.
- Atlético de Madrid formally filed a complaint with the RFEF and FIFA accusing Barcelona of illicitly approaching Julián Álvarez; the RFEF has opened a disciplinary expediente and Barcelona has been given days to submit its written defence.
- Possible outcomes in the Álvarez case range from fines or suspensions for the player to registration bans for Barcelona under RFEF/FIFA rules, but sources stress those penalties are theoretical at this stage and the process is still under review.