Real Madrid Dismiss Rodri and Olise Transfer Rumors

Real Madrid have drawn a clear line through two of the summer’s most persistent rumours: Rodri and Michael Olise are not coming to the Bernabéu.

Inside the club, the message is blunt. According to The Athletic, senior figures at Madrid insist Rodri is not on their agenda in this window, despite the Manchester City midfielder’s towering form for Spain and his award as best player at the 2026 World Cup. For a footballer many see as the outstanding midfielder of his generation, the response from Madrid is cold: not now.

That stance jars with reports elsewhere. Marca and others have painted a very different picture, suggesting Rodri is keen – strongly keen – to wear white, and that some voices in the boardroom are pushing Florentino Pérez to at least explore the possibility. The romantic narrative writes itself: a La Liga champion with Atlético, a Spanish leader in his prime, returning to the league to anchor Madrid’s midfield.

The reality in Valdebebas is more pragmatic. Club sources are adamant that, whatever Rodri’s feelings, he does not feature in the current planning. His name has circled the Bernabéu for weeks, fuelled by his past in Spain and Madrid’s habit of snapping up the game’s elite. The answer, repeated behind closed doors, is the same: he is not a target in this market.

Olise has run into the same brick wall.

Despite speculation that Bayern Munich’s new winger could be flipped quickly to Madrid, the club’s position has not budged. The Athletic reports that Real Madrid continue to deny any talks with Bayern over the France international, and that there is no negotiation taking place in the background.

Madrid had already gone public once, issuing an official statement to shut down claims they were in discussions to sign Olise. Internally, the line is consistent: bringing him in this summer is not seen as realistic or even on the table at this stage.

Future Plans

So where does that leave their summer?

This is José Mourinho’s project now, and he has made it clear he wants at least two more pieces: a defender and an additional midfielder to round out the squad. He sees a group that can compete on all fronts but still needs a touch more depth and steel.

The hierarchy view the landscape slightly differently. From the president’s office downward, there is a sense that the heavy lifting in this window is already done. The priority, they believe, is trimming the squad, moving players out, clearing salaries and space before any late moves are even considered.

Rodri and Olise have dominated headlines. Inside Real Madrid, they barely make the board. The next decisive move, if it comes, will be shaped less by fantasy targets and more by who leaves the dressing room in the weeks ahead.