Exclusive: Rodri and Real Madrid Reach Agreement in Principle! Fans Debate: Move to La Liga After Major Injury Could Be a Win-Win

On July 23, Beijing time, renowned transfer journalist Schira broke an exclusive bombshell: Manchester City's midfield core Rodri has reached an agreement in principle with Real Madrid on a four-year contract until 2030. Real Madrid is ready to formally start negotiations, attempting to sign the World Cup Golden Ball winner from City. Meanwhile, in order to keep the midfield metronome, City had already offered a lucrative renewal contract, but Rodri has not accepted it yet.

The news immediately sparked heated discussions among fans. Unlike the usual sentiment of 'any poaching by rivals must be resisted,' many Manchester City fans and rational football pundits believe that if City can cash in on Rodri at a high price, it is actually a completely acceptable option.

The core focus of fan discussions is mainly on Rodri's recent injury concerns and the differences in league pace between the Premier League and La Liga. As is well known, Rodri suffered a severe anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in September 2024, requiring a nine-month recovery period. Although he subsequently led Spain to win the World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico and was named the tournament's best player, the combination of coming back from a major injury and being 30 years old makes his physical durability a huge unknown. Some fans pointed out that for a midfielder who has just recovered from a serious injury and is entering the later stages of his career, the defensive intensity and game pace in La Liga are relatively more moderate than in the Premier League. Moving to La Liga would not only allow Rodri to better protect his body and extend his career, but also let him utilize his 'playing with his brain' playmaking advantages at a more comfortable pace.

From a realistic perspective for Manchester City, cashing in on Rodri at a high price is also a highly rational stop-loss move. Rodri's contract with City expires in 2027, with only one year remaining. If City insists on keeping him this summer and he leaves as a free agent next summer, City would face the huge risk of losing both the player and the transfer fee. Additionally, City is currently under pressure from its wage structure. Rodri's current weekly wage is not among the top earners in the squad, and if they want to force a renewal, they would have to significantly increase his pay. If Real Madrid can offer a reasonable transfer fee (rumored to be around 50 million euros), City could use that money to rebuild the midfield with younger players and bring in a new defensive midfielder to fill the gap.

Of course, this deal is still at the 'agreement in principle' stage. Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez's final stance and the negotiations between the two clubs over the transfer fee will be key to determining Rodri's fate. But regardless, the discussion among fans has set a rational tone for this potential transfer: in the ruthless world of football, there are no permanent 'untouchables.' For a legendary defensive midfielder who is 30 years old and has gone through a serious injury, choosing a more suitable stage in the twilight of his career is both a form of self-protection for the player and a wise move to maximize the club's interests.

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