Rodri's Real Madrid Move Stalls After Perez Call

**Rodri**'s long‑awaited switch to Real Madrid fell apart on 5 July 2026 when club president Florentino Pérez called, according to former Real scout José Romano. The midfielder, who has been a linchpin at Manchester City, was reportedly close to sealing a deal, but Pérez’s last‑minute intervention changed the outcome.

Romano told reporters that Pérez asked the board to reconsider the offer after learning the fee would trigger a hefty release clause. The Spanish giant, still hunting a defensive midfielder to replace Luka Modrić, decided the financial hit was too steep. As a result, the deal was put on hold and Rodri remains at City for the upcoming season.

Rodri, 27, has been a cornerstone of City’s midfield, helping the club win three Premier League titles since 2021. A move to the Bernabéu would have been his first permanent transfer away from Pep Guardiola’s side. Staying put means he must continue to shoulder the defensive burden in a squad that’s already juggling a congested fixture list.

Real’s sporting director, Fernando Hierro, reportedly praised Rodri’s qualities but admitted the club must balance ambition with fiscal responsibility. Hierro said the club will keep scouting for a midfielder who fits the budget, hinting at possible interest in younger options from La Liga.

Manchester City’s manager, Pep Guardiola, confirmed the club respects Rodri’s wishes but will focus on the upcoming Champions League tie against Bayern Munich on 12 September. The midfielder is expected to feature in the starting XI, aiming to add another clean sheet to his record. Meanwhile, Rodri’s agent, Jorge Mora, hinted that other top clubs, including Paris Saint‑Germain, are now circling the Spanish international.

Supporters on both sides took to social media. City fans expressed disappointment, writing “Rodri stays, we win!” while Real Madrid followers posted memes about Pérez’s “last‑minute drama”. The buzz shows how high the stakes are for a player of Rodri’s calibre.

The aborted transfer underscores how a single phone call can reshape the European transfer market. Rodri will continue to anchor City’s midfield, while Real Madrid must recalibrate its strategy ahead of the new season.