Real Madrid is reconsidering a transfer for Manchester City midfielder Rodri and a deal can no longer be completely ruled out. The stance marks a shift from recent weeks, when sources indicated Rodri was not on Madrid's list of potential targets, with president Florentino Perez expressing concern over his injury history and new coach Jose Mourinho favoring a different type of midfield profile.

Rodri, Spain's World Cup-winning captain, rediscovered his best form during the tournament, a level that previously earned him the 2024 Ballon d'Or. Some influential Madrid executives have since grown more open to pursuing his signing, though ESPN has not confirmed that formal negotiations have taken place between the two clubs.

Rodri turned 30 last month and has experienced a slow recovery from a knee ligament tear suffered in September 2024. Sources said Perez has long admired the player but remained hesitant given lingering questions about his physical condition, a concern shaped partly by Madrid's past struggles with veterans such as David Alaba and Dani Carvajal recovering from serious knee injuries.

Rodri had not previously been considered a realistic target this summer, with Mourinho instead naming alternatives such as Mateus Fernandes and Enzo Fernandez. Madrid also opted to renew Aurelien Tchouameni's contract, given the Frenchman plays a similar role.

Rodri's standout World Cup performance, earning tournament MVP honors after leading Spain through the knockout stage, including wins over France in the semifinal and Argentina in the final, has shifted the club's internal calculus. Sources said senior Madrid executives, including director general Jose Angel Sanchez and chief scout Juni Calafat, are now among those pushing for his potential arrival.

Mourinho's reservations reportedly stem from his belief that a different type of midfielder would better fit his intended style of play, though sources indicated that view is not considered an insurmountable obstacle. Madrid has already reversed course on other targets this summer, having signed Ibrahima Konate and Bernardo Silva after previously ruling out both moves following Mourinho's arrival.

Any potential deal would likely require departures elsewhere in Madrid's midfield to create space. Eduardo Camavinga is viewed as the player Madrid would be most open to moving on, though the France international, who was left off his country's World Cup squad, has expressed a desire to remain at the club. One source suggested Rodri's arrival could ultimately help convince Camavinga to depart.

Rodri is expected to undergo minor surgery on a back issue this summer, according to a source, though the procedure is not expected to result in an extended absence.