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Real Madrid is working on finalizing a deal to sign Rodrigo Hernández "Rodri", the midfielder for Manchester City and the Spanish national team.

Although negotiations between the two clubs have not yet begun, Real Madrid is confident that an agreement can be reached and expects him to join this summer.

According to The Athletic, Rodri has one year left on his contract, while Manchester City is still negotiating a renewal and hopes he stays until the 2026-2027 season. Real Madrid changed its stance after the player's performance in the World Cup, where he led the Spanish national team as captain, won the Ballon d'Or, and helped the team defeat Argentina in the final. Rodri is scheduled to undergo surgery to treat a back problem, though no definite return date has been set.

Rodri had previously expressed his desire to return to Spain, saying: "Do I want to play in Spain again, in La Liga, in Madrid? I would like to come back, yes, of course. My past with Atlético will not prevent me from playing for Real Madrid... Other players have done that before. Perhaps not in direct transfers, but in the end. You cannot refuse to join one of the best clubs in the world."

Enzo Maresca, Manchester City manager, said: "There are always rumors about big players. I am not worried about that. I think it's normal. Especially because they won the World Cup, and he was the best player or one of the best. Every coach wants to sign Rodri because he is a world-class player. But now he will undergo surgery, I think it will be on Monday. He needs time off. He needs rest. He needs to recover, and then he will come back to us here."

Rodri joined Manchester City from Atlético Madrid in 2019, winning four Premier League titles, two FA Cups, three League Cups, and the 2023 UEFA Champions League, where he scored the winning goal in the final. He has made 298 appearances for the club, scoring 28 goals and providing 32 assists.

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