Real Madrid readies $100 million bid for Ballon d’Or winner in major market move

While recent signings like Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, and Álvaro Carreras reflect Real Madrid’s focus on bolstering their defense and youth in the early stages of the summer transfer window—and with Franco Mastantuono being the only attacking addition so far—the Spanish giants still aren’t done. In fact, reports from England suggest Florentino Pérez wants it all.

As if rumors linking Real Madrid to defenders Ibrahima Konaté and William Saliba weren’t enough, The Sun now claims that the club is preparing a blockbuster bid to land Ballon d’Or winner Rodri. According to the British outlet, Real Madrid is ready to offer £100 million (around $115 million) to bring the Spanish midfielder to the Bernabéu before the window closes.

Rodri has been a central figure in Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City squad. His recent absence due to a ligament injury revealed just how vital he is to City’s success—the team struggled without him throughout the campaign. Now, as the reigning Ballon d’Or winner, he’s shown signs of returning to top form during his brief appearance at the FIFA Club World Cup.

Earlier this month, Spain’s Cadena SER reported Florentino Pérez’s interest in Rodri, but The Sun suggests things are far more advanced now. Real Madrid reportedly believes the player is “open to coming home.” Of course, Rodri’s soccer home is on the other side of Madrid—he rose through the ranks at Atlético Madrid.

Real Madrid could play the long game

Rodri, who turns 30 next year, is under contract with Manchester City through the 2026–27 season. However, his recent injury has cast some doubt over his long-term fitness, as he only logged limited minutes at the Club World Cup after more than nine months out.

Given that, Real Madrid is also considering a more strategic move—waiting another year to pursue the midfielder. That would not only give the club time to better assess his physical condition but could also allow Madrid to negotiate from a stronger position, with Rodri entering the final years of his contract.

Either way, English media believe both options are firmly on the table—and that Los Blancos are positioning themselves for a potentially market-defining move.