Real Madrid weighed selling Federico Valverde during the summer 2026 transfer window to accommodate a move for Manchester City midfielder Rodri. The plan stalled when Valverde refused to leave, leaving club officials to manage fallout from an internal training ground incident and altered midfield plans.
Federico Valverde Refuses a Summer Exit as Contract Talks Stalled
Real Madrid explored parting ways with Federico Valverde during the 2026 summer transfer window, despite the Uruguayan midfielder’s contract running until 2029. Reporting from Defensa Central details how club management considered an exit for Valverde to clear both squad space and financial room in central midfield.
Valverde exercised his labour right to fulfill his agreement. He made clear that he had no intention of departing under any circumstances, forcing the Spanish club to adjust its operational strategy and retain his services for the season.
Real Madrid wanted to sell Valverde this summer. But what happened is that the player, exercising his labour right to fulfil his contract, said something along the lines that he would not leave under any circumstances.
Miguel Latigo Serrano, journalist via Kooora
Valverde and Tchouameni Fight During Training Session
Valverde entered into a physical altercation with Aurelien Tchouameni during a team training session, creating the backdrop to the club’s willingness to listen to offers. The clash resulted in a heavy blow from the French midfielder that left Valverde with a concussion.
Medical staff treated Valverde for the head injury, causing him to miss multiple fixtures before returning for the closing matches of the domestic league season with a bandage over a gash on his forehead. Real Madrid opened a disciplinary investigation against both players, issuing fines reaching 500,000 euros in an unprecedented internal sanction.
Sections of the fanbase called for their departures as criticism targeted both midfielders during that period. However, then-incoming coach Jose Mourinho indicated an initial willingness to count on both players, and Valverde ultimately assumed the role of team captain as the club managed the aftermath.
Valverde Rejects A Transfer As Rodri Pursuit Falters
Valverde’s stubborn refusal to leave directly impacted the club’s pursuit of Manchester City pivot Rodri. Executive hesitation and late movement defined the pursuit, driven in part by internal debates over whether a potential deal for the Spanish international was being pushed by external fan polls rather than pure sporting consensus.
At the club they moved late for Rodri, because they did not trust him, because he was a deal that came in response to a fan desire, a deal based on an opinion poll.
Miguel Latigo Serrano, journalist via Kooora
Spanish media reporting frames Valverde staying as the barrier that broke the sequence, while Rodri offered a different perspective regarding the Spanish capital club’s approach during an interview with Cadena COPE.
From my position, I have to say that Real Madrid showed their interest from the very first moment, and that they handled things perfectly, and the offers made were aimed at signing the player, and I want to make that clear as well.
Rodri, former Manchester City midfielder via Kooora
Mourinho publicly noted that Real Madrid pushed to secure Rodri, though player hesitation ultimately blocked a definitive move to the Santiago Bernabeu.
