Rodri Transfer to Real Madrid Still Uncertain as Mourinho and Florentino Perez Remain Unconvinced
Rodri continues to be linked with a potential move to Real Madrid, but despite the growing speculation, the situation inside the Spanish club is far from unanimous. While several reports in Spain have suggested that the Manchester City midfielder could be heading to the Santiago Bernabéu this summer, key decision-makers at the club have yet to be fully convinced.
Over the past few days, rumors surrounding Rodri’s future have intensified. Some Spanish outlets have even claimed that the 30-year-old has already reached an agreement with Real Madrid over a summer transfer. However, according to sources close to the club, no final decision has been made, and there are still significant doubts about whether the deal should go ahead.
One of the biggest obstacles is the differing opinions among Real Madrid’s leadership. Club president Florentino Perez and head coach José Mourinho are reportedly not entirely sold on the idea of signing the Spanish international, despite his reputation as one of the best defensive midfielders in world football.
Mourinho’s Tactical Vision Raises Questions
One of the main reasons behind the hesitation concerns Mourinho’s tactical plans for his new Real Madrid side.
The Portuguese manager is believed to be building a team capable of playing a faster, more direct and vertical style of football. His objective is to reduce unnecessary possession and create quick attacking transitions whenever possible.
Rodri, on the other hand, has built his reputation as a midfielder who thrives in possession-based systems. During his years under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, he became one of the world’s finest controllers of the game, dictating the tempo with intelligent passing, positional awareness and patience in possession.
While these qualities have made him indispensable for both Manchester City and Spain, some within Real Madrid question whether his profile perfectly matches Mourinho’s tactical philosophy. The concern is not about Rodri’s quality but rather whether his style is the ideal fit for the football Mourinho wants his team to play over the coming seasons.
Fitness Concerns Are a Major Issue
Beyond tactical considerations, there is another factor weighing heavily on the minds of Real Madrid’s decision-makers: Rodri’s physical condition.
The Spanish midfielder suffered a serious knee injury and also dealt with several muscular problems during the previous season. Although he has returned to action, there are lingering concerns over whether he can consistently perform at his highest level without suffering another setback.
According to journalist Carlos Carpio, this issue represents one of the biggest obstacles preventing Real Madrid from fully committing to the transfer.
“Real Madrid like Rodri, but what worries them is the possibility of another relapse. If Rodri signs, it won’t happen during the final days of the transfer window. The club will need to make its decision quickly,” Carpio explained.
The club’s medical staff and sporting directors are reportedly examining every aspect of Rodri’s recent injury history before making any definitive move.
Real Madrid Knows the Risks
Real Madrid’s caution is understandable considering the number of serious knee injuries the club has experienced in recent years.
Several important first-team players have suffered anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, forcing them to spend many months on the sidelines. Those experiences have made the club particularly careful when evaluating players with a history of major knee problems.
Although many footballers successfully return from ACL injuries, there is always uncertainty regarding long-term durability and the risk of recurrence. At Rodri’s age, these concerns naturally become even more significant.
Rather than rushing into a major financial investment, the club appears determined to carefully assess both the medical reports and the sporting implications before reaching a final decision.
Bastoni Pursuit Linked to Similar Concerns
Interestingly, Rodri is not the only player whose physical condition is causing concern inside Valdebebas.
According to Carlos Carpio, Mourinho is also worried about the long-term fitness of Éder Militão. The Brazilian defender has endured multiple serious knee injuries in recent years, leaving uncertainty over whether he can consistently return to his previous level.
Unlike Rodri, however, Militão is already part of Real Madrid’s squad, meaning the club has no choice but to manage his recovery and workload.
🚨 CONFIRMED by @NicoSchira
— kickoff (@Trollkickoff) July 23, 2026
⚪️ Real Madrid have made their move.
🤝 An agreement in principle has been reached with Rodri over a contract until 2030.
🔜 Los Blancos are now preparing to open talks with Manchester City to negotiate a deal.
🔵 City are pushing to keep Rodri and… pic.twitter.com/Oirs1o6T4M
This concern is reportedly one of the main reasons Mourinho continues to push for the signing of Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni.
As Carpio explained:
“Real Madrid are also worried about Militão. The difference is that he’s already part of the squad. That’s precisely why Mourinho keeps insisting on signing Bastoni.”
Adding another top-class central defender would give Mourinho greater security in a position that has been heavily affected by injuries over recent seasons.
A Decision Expected Soon
For now, Rodri remains a player admired by Real Madrid, but admiration alone will not be enough to complete the transfer.
The club must balance his undeniable footballing quality with legitimate concerns regarding his tactical suitability and physical reliability. Florentino Perez and José Mourinho are expected to make a final decision sooner rather than later, as they do not want the uncertainty to drag into the closing stages of the transfer window.
Whether Rodri ultimately becomes a Real Madrid player or remains at Manchester City will largely depend on whether the club believes the rewards outweigh the risks.
