Sources: Real Madrid ‘doing everything’ to sign Man City star after Mourinho demand
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Credit: Imago Sat 16 May 2026 9:49, UK Rodri is a top target for Jose Mourinho as he nears a return to the Real Madrid dugout and doubts linger over the midfielder’s future at Manchester City. The Spaniard has struggled to find form this season after returning from a long-term injury only to suffer from several recurring problems throughout the campaign.He is nearing the final year of his Man City contract and is yet to sign fresh terms despite reports stating that weeks of talks have been held.Real Madrid seem his most likely next destination if he does leave City, and as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, inbound boss Mourinho is very keen on a move for Rodri this summer.Losing the 29-year-old would be a big setback to Man City’s transfer plans, especially with fellow experienced stars, Bernardo Silva and John Stones, both set to leave this summer. 🔄 Man City Transfer Update 🔄 Breaking news on signings, elite targets, and contract news from the City Football Group boardroom.
VISIT THE TRANSFER HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Jose Mourinho sets sights on Rodri move as Madrid appointment loomsRodri has been absent from the City squad since picking up a muscle issue in their 2-1 win over Arsenal last month.He is set to return to action before the season ends, but could leave if Mourinho tells Real to make an approach, especially after he hinted in March that he would not be able to turn down a move to the Spanish giants.Appearances20Minutes played1423′Successful pass %90.3%Chances created23Duels won %65.8%Fouls won27Rodri’s 2025-26 PL statsSpeaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “If Jose Mourinho wants Rodri for his new look Real Madrid, I’m sure he will ask the president, Florentino Perez, to do everything he possibly can to try and sign Rodri. “It’s obviously not going to be easy, because Manchester City do not want to lose such a key player as Rodri.”Tijjani Reijnders in talks to leave Man City after disappointing debut seasonReijnders has failed to nail down a regular starting spot in the City eleven since his move from AC Milan last summer.The Dutch midfielder has been handed one start in the Citizens’ last 13 Premier League games, while he has remained an unused substitute in five of their previous seven matches across all competitions.Sources have exclusively revealed to Football Insider that Reijnders is in talks to leave the Etihad ahead of the summer window after a tough debut season.Pep Guardiola is planning a midfield overhaul this summer, with both Reijnders and Rodri potentially set to join Silva in leaving the club.
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