In Spain they explain: Why did Real Madrid pause the move to sign Rodri?
The Blancos remain interested in the Manchester City midfielder but have prioritized completing the Ousmane Diomande deal. Meanwhile, the squad is full, and the club will need to release two players if both arrive.
Real Madrid has decided to pause the move to sign Rodri from Manchester City at this stage. According to reports in Spain, club president Florentino Perez had already given the green light to advance the deal earlier this week, but other matters concerning acquisitions and departures have taken priority in the meantime.
At the center is the deal for Ousmane Diomande, who has agreed to a five-year contract with the club. The agreement with the Ivory Coast national team player has been completed, but disputes regarding some of the clauses between the clubs have delayed the final signing. Real hopes to complete the deal quickly so that the player can join Jose Mourinho's training sessions before the end of the week.
Following these developments, the initial approach to Manchester City, which was planned for Thursday, has been postponed. Despite this, Real has not given up on the possibility of signing Rodri, who in recent weeks has turned from a rejected candidate into the club's main priority.
According to "AS", internal discussions were held at the club regarding the midfielder, mainly following his performances in the semi-final and final of the World Cup. His ability and physical condition dispelled the doubts that existed about him, and his achievements, including winning the Ballon d'Or in 2024 and the title of best player at the 2026 World Cup, strengthened the desire to sign him. His price could reach about 100 million euros.
However, Real is also facing another problem. According to "Mundo Deportivo", all 25 spots in the senior squad are already filled, so the club will need to release one player to register Diomande, and another player if Rodri also joins.
Even after the expected transfer of Gonzalo to Fulham and the arrival of Carlos Espi from Levante, no additional space will be created in the squad, because the new striker is expected to take the spot that will be vacated. In addition, Franco Mastantuono can no longer be registered as a reserve team player due to the number of minutes he recorded last season with the senior team.
