Spain’s players will kick off the 2026-27 season as world champions for the second time in 16 years and the opportunity to sign them could be too tempting for the biggest clubs to refuse.
Real Madrid suffered the ignominy of a Spain squad being named for the World Cup without a single one of their players. Marc Cucurella subsequently joined from Chelsea and Real Madrid president Florentino Perez appears to be willing to add at least one more.
Recent reports indicate that the capital club have agreed terms with Spain’s captain and the World Cup Golden Ball winner, but doubts remain over the possible transfer.
‘Little substance’ in Rodri to Real Madrid rumours
Manchester City midfielder Rodri has been heavily linked with a return to Spain to join Los Blancos. According to TEAMtalk, Rodri has decided to leave the Premier League and prefers a move to Real Madrid.
“Sources with knowledge of the situation have told us that the Spain international has decided he wants to embark on a new challenge,” reports Graeme Bailey.
“Rodri believes he still has plenty to offer at the highest level and feels the opportunity to join Real Madrid has come at the right stage of his career.”
Yet while the prospect of the 30-year-old lining up in a white shirt in August appears to be coming into view, doubts are emerging in Madrid.
AS reports that a deal is far from done and that club sources have been clear that there is ‘little substance’ to claims that Rodri and Real Madrid have already agreed on terms.
“Club officials grew frustrated by the repeated use of Madrid’s name despite there being no contact between the parties,” writes Jose Felix Diaz. “Sources indicate that Madrid executives even reached out to their counterparts at City to deny the alleged discussions.
Rodri, the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, is admired by senior figures at Real Madrid but AS suggests that one in particular plans to shape the team in a way that casts doubt on the viability of a move for the former Villarreal and Atletico Madrid midfielder.
Real Madrid returned to a familiar face to succeed Alvaro Arbeloa as manager. Jose Mourinho is back after three seasons in charge at the Bernabeu between 2010 and 2013, and his appointment could be the biggest obstacle between Rodri and a move back to Spain.
“Mourinho’s Madrid is currently moving toward a different footballing model, one that is less possession-oriented and less dependent on the kind of cerebral, controlling midfield presence Rodri provides,” reports Diaz.
“That said, the club continues to hold the Spain international in the highest regard.”
Real Madrid have been active in the transfer market this summer after two trophyless seasons.
Cucurella and Inter Milan right-back Denzel Dumfries have both been acquired for fees along with the free transfers of ex-Liverpool central defender Ibrahima Konate and Bernardo Silva, Rodri’s former teammate at the Etihad Stadium.