Real Madrid have identified Manchester City midfielder Rodri, 29, as their primary target for the summer of 2026, while his teammate John Stones and Manchester United’s Casemiro prepare for free transfers. According to reports in Spain, Madrid view the Ballon d'Or winner as a vital addition to their engine room following a difficult domestic campaign. To counter this interest, Fabrizio Romano reports that City have already presented Rodri with a lucrative contract extension, offering a significant salary increase to secure his future beyond his current deal which expires in 2027.
City face defensive transition as Bayern Munich eye Stones
John Stones, 31, is set to end his decade-long stay at the Etihad Stadium when his contract expires in June 2026. The England centre-back, who joined for £47.5 million in 2016, is now the subject of serious interest from Bayern Munich. According to CityXtra, the German giants are examining a move that would reunite Stones with former captain Vincent Kompany and international teammate Harry Kane. Pep Guardiola has recently expressed frustration over the defender’s availability, noting in a press conference that he "only wants him fit" following a season of limited minutes. With Guardiola’s own future uncertain, the departure of a foundational player like Stones signals the beginning of a significant squad refresh in Manchester.
MLS move nears for Manchester United’s Casemiro
Across Manchester, Casemiro, 34, has confirmed his departure from Old Trafford at the end of the 2025/26 season. The Brazilian, who signed a four-year deal worth reported £350,000-a-week in 2022, will leave as a free agent as INEOS looks to reduce the club's wage bill. Reports from the Daily Express suggest Inter Miami are leading the race to sign the defensive midfielder, potentially pairing him with former Madrid teammates. However, LA Galaxy currently hold his MLS discovery rights, which may necessitate a trade or compensation fee between the American clubs. Casemiro’s exit follows a period of transition under Michael Carrick, as United shift their recruitment strategy toward younger profiles with lower fixed costs.
The resolution of Rodri’s contract talks in Manchester will likely dictate Real Madrid's broader midfield strategy heading into the 2026 window.