Real Madrid Pursue World Cup Golden Ball Winner Rodri from Manchester City
The post-World Cup transfer market heats up as clubs vie for top talent following Spain's victory.
The story
Real Madrid are reportedly working on a deal to sign Spain's World Cup Golden Ball winner, Rodri, from Manchester City. While no official talks have commenced between the clubs, Jose Mourinho's side is reportedly operating on the assumption that the midfielder will join this off-season.
Rodri was instrumental in Spain's World Cup triumph, where they defeated defending champions Argentina in the final, ending a 16-year drought for La Roja. The 30-year-old's contract with City expires in 12 months, making him a prime target for Europe's elite. City's new boss, Enzo Maresca, expressed his desire for Rodri to remain, acknowledging the speculation surrounding such a top player.
Where it stands
The FIFA World Cup 2026 concluded on July 19, 2026, with Spain crowned champions after defeating Argentina in the final. All group stages and knockout rounds are complete, and there are no active standings to report.
Off the pitch
| Player | From | To | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aladji Bamba | Monaco | Newcastle | £34m |
| Crysencio Summerville | West Ham | Al-Hilal | £60m |
| Karim Adeyemi | Borussia Dortmund | Barcelona | €22m |
Reporting + analyst voices: grounded via Google Search at publish time.