---
title: "Maresca downplays Rodri exit talk as Real Madrid push for deal"
canonical: "https://readmancity.com/2026/08/04/man-city-rodri-real-madrid-transfer-maresca/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Gary Gowers"
section: "Man City News"
published: "2026-08-04T07:04:00Z"
modified: "2026-08-04T07:04:01Z"
---

# Maresca downplays Rodri exit talk as Real Madrid push for deal

**Enzo Maresca says talk of Rodri leaving [City](https://readmancity.com/) is “just speculation” — but the figures being reported suggest talks are further along than that.**

Asked about his captain’s future at a pre-season press conference, the City boss gave a short answer before moving on to fitness updates. “It’s just speculation at this moment,” he said.

City have reportedly set a €75m asking price for the Spanish World Cup-winning captain. Real Madrid are said to be working toward a fee in the €50-65m range, with the two clubs in direct talks. Reports in Spain though claim contract terms between Rodri and Real have already been broadly agreed.

City are pressing on with a separate deal for Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi regardless of how the Rodri situation ends. Personal terms are said to be in place, with the fee — expected to be north of €85m — still to be settled. City see the 18-year-old as Rodri’s long-term replacement in midfield.

Rodri has also missed the whole of pre-season after minor back surgery. City are targeting a return in time for the August 23 Bournemouth opener at the Etihad, though that timeline is understood to be tight.

For every deal, see our [2026 summer transfer tracker](https://readmancity.com/transfer-tracker/).