Real Madrid is stepping up pressure in the Rodri operation. After months in which doubts about the advisability of signing the Madrid-born midfielder hung over the Bernabéu—fundamentally due to the serious injury he suffered last season—the Madrid board appears to have made a decision: the Fuenlabrada native is, by far, the best option to strengthen the midfield. But that is where the real obstacle appears: money. Or, more specifically, how much Florentino Pérez is willing to spend.

Madrid's range: between 50 and 70 million

According to mundodeportivo.com, Madrid is considering an offer for Rodri Hernández that would range between 50 and 70 million euros, depending on the fixed components and variables included in the operation. A figure that, on the face of it, could seem tight for a player of his calibre.

The truth is that in recent months, the Madrid hierarchy has carried out an exhaustive analysis: is it worth investing in Rodri at 30 years old after a serious injury? The answer from above appears to be affirmative. His physical recovery is practically complete—he is at the level he showed in 2024—and the football he has displayed at the World Cup reinforces the idea that we are dealing with a player still in his prime.

Manchester City sets the price: there's the problem

But there is a detail that could complicate everything. According to Cadena SER, Real Madrid is not willing to pay 80 or 100 million euros for the transfer. A figure that, for now, has not been officially confirmed by City, but which hangs in the air as a threat to closing the operation. The ball, in short, rests in the Citizens' court.

Antón Meana, commentator on 'El Larguero', was blunt about it: "The main obstacle could be that, how much City is asking for Rodri's signing". And he is right. Madrid has already cleared its two major unknowns: Rodri is recovered and has shown he is still elite. Now all that remains is to negotiate the price.

Cards on the table: white advantage

Playing in favour of the Madrid side is a fundamental factor: Rodri's contract expires on 30 June 2027. It is not a situation of extreme urgency, but it also does not allow Manchester City to wait indefinitely. The player has a renewal offer on the table that, for now, he has not accepted. And most importantly: he has publicly expressed his willingness to return to Madrid, the city where he was born and where he has always wanted to play.

According to analyses carried out by Real Madrid's football department, Rodri is the best option for the midfield considering his age, his immediate performance and the fact that Manchester City would have to sell him in the coming months or risk losing him without significant income. It is a negotiating position that, if well exploited, could reduce the City's financial demands.

When will the question be resolved?

For now, neither Real Madrid nor Manchester City have officially confirmed contacts. But sources consulted by the main Spanish media suggest that the moves are real and active for several months. The question that Madrid fans are asking is obvious: how much is Pep Guardiola and his board willing to concede? Because the rest of the puzzle pieces already fit. Only the final number remains to be agreed.