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Madrid Open Rodri Talks After Reversing Course
Madrid have changed their stance on Rodri, with talks now under way over a summer move.
Real Madrid have stepped up their pursuit of Rodri, with reports saying club-to-club talks have now begun with Manchester City.
The move would mark a clear shift in position. Earlier in the window, it was understood that Florentino Pérez did not want to move for the midfielder. That stance appears to have changed, with Fabrizio Romano reporting that Madrid have made an official approach and that “verbal discussions” are underway.
Madrid’s summer business has already been extensive. Marc Cucurella, Bernardo Silva, Ibrahima Konaté and Denzel Dumfries have all arrived, while RB Leipzig wonderkid Yan Diomande is set to join for more than $100 million. Even so, central midfield remained an area to address, with the club seeking a deep-lying controller, a role largely absent at the Bernabéu since Toni Kroos’s exit in 2024.
Rodri has emerged as the obvious candidate. Pérez is said to have approved the deal, and Madrid are prepared to go beyond €50 million ($57 million) for a player who has only one year left on his contract in England.
The Spain captain’s name had featured prominently in the campaign of rival presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme, who said he would refund all membership fees if he failed to sign both Rodri and Erling Haaland. Pérez, by contrast, had seemed reluctant to engage, despite the appeal of a Madrid-born midfielder who fits a specific need.
Rodri’s stock rose further at the 2026 World Cup, where he broke passing records and won the Golden Ball as Spain triumphed in North America. Recent reports suggest Pérez is now open to the transfer, with the balance of the window and City’s contract position adding pressure to any decision.
With Pep Guardiola also bringing an end to his time at Manchester City this summer, Rodri may see the moment as a natural one to move. If he does not sign the extension currently available, City’s only chances to recover a fee are this window or January.
Rodri has previously spoken warmly about Madrid, telling Cadena SER in 2024: “When Real Madrid call you, the best club in history, the most successful, everything that means … Obviously, it’s an honour and you always have to pay attention, of course.”
Premier League
Sterling admits charges after Lamborghini crash on U.K. highway
Sterling has admitted charges after a Lamborghini crash and faces potential penalties in court.
Raheem Sterling has admitted to possession of nitrous oxide for wrongful inhalation and dangerous driving after a crash involving his Lamborghini on a U.K. highway in May.
Police were called to the scene in the morning after the car moved into the central reservation dividing the highway before hitting a metal gate at a turnout. At the time, a Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary spokesperson told BBC Sport: “a single vehicle collision, involving a Lamborghini, on the M3 southbound, close to the Minley Interchange [Hampshire], on May 28, 2026.
“No other vehicles were involved and no injuries were reported.”
Sterling accepted charges of dangerous driving, possessing six canisters of nitrous oxide, a Class C drug commonly known as laughing gas, and failing to provide a specimen for analysis.
The 31-year-old was in the passenger seat when officers arrived, with the driver’s side empty and two canisters on his lap. During the court appearance, an eye witness described Sterling’s conduct as “absolutely horrendous driving”.
The U.K. Highway Code states: “Parliament sets the maximum penalties for road traffic offenses. The seriousness of the offense is reflected in the maximum penalty. It is for the courts to decide what sentence to impose according to circumstances.”
For dangerous driving, the maximum penalty is a two-year prison sentence, together with an unlimited fine and compulsory disqualification from driving.
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Endrick’s path becomes less certain after Diomande arrival
Endrick’s future looks unsettled after Diomande’s arrival strengthens Real Madrid’s attack.
Real Madrid’s summer business has placed Endrick in a more awkward position than before, with the arrival of Yan Diomande reshaping the attacking picture. The 19-year-old has come in as the headline signing of the window and is expected to go straight into José Mourinho’s first team for the 2026-27 season, most likely on the right wing.
Diomande is capable of playing on either side, but a route into the left-sided role looks blocked by Vinícius Jr, who has recently agreed a new six-year deal. The right flank had already been identified as an area for reinforcement, especially after the ACL injury Rodrygo suffered in the spring, but the new arrival now adds further pressure to the squad balance.
That has direct consequences for Endrick, who has only just returned to the club. The 20-year-old Brazil international has found first-team chances difficult to secure since arriving with significant attention in the summer of 2024, and he spent the second half of last season on loan with Lyon.
His spell there was productive. In 21 appearances across six months, he scored eight goals and provided eight assists, form that helped earn him a place in Brazil’s World Cup squad this summer. He then shortened his holiday to join preseason training early, hoping to make an impression on Mourinho. He did exactly that by scoring the opening goal in Real Madrid’s 2-2 draw with Fiorentina, standing out while several senior players remained away after the World Cup.
Even so, the latest transfer activity makes regular minutes look far from guaranteed once competitive matches begin. Diomande now occupies one wide role, Brahim Díaz and Rodrygo are also among the options when available, and Carlos Espí has been signed as a ‘plan B’ choice for Kylian Mbappé in central attack.
Reports now suggest another loan is possible. “The possibility for Endrick to consider a loan move in the final weeks of the window is something we cannot exclude,” Fabrizio Romano revealed.
AS Roma have been linked, while Ramón Álvarez de Mon says Premier League options are being explored. Mundo Deportivo add that Real Sociedad, Villarreal and Real Betis have all asked about a loan, with Endrick said to want to play in Europe.
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Bayındır’s farewell leaves door open after loan departure from Manchester United
Bayındır’s message suggests a strong bond with United, despite his loan departure and limited role.
Altay Bayındır has softened the language around his exit from Manchester United, saying it is “not a goodbye” after completing a loan move away from the club.
The goalkeeper marked the move with a message of gratitude to supporters, writing: “Thank you for every chant, every message and every moment we have shared,” he wrote on social media. “Your support means a lot to me and I’ll carry it with me throughout this next chapter of my life.
“I’ll miss Old Trafford but this is not goodbye. Wishing a successful season to everyone at the club, my heart and support will always be with you.
“See you soon Reds!”
Bayındır’s words are notable given how little of the last three seasons he spent as a regular part of the side. He arrived in the summer of 2023 as one of Türkiye’s top goalkeepers, but managed only 17 appearances for United, most of them while serving as backup to André Onana or, more recently, Senne Lammens.
A series of uncertain displays did little to strengthen his standing at Old Trafford. The arrival of veteran stopper Karl Darlow on a free transfer further pointed towards a future away from Michael Carrick’s squad.
United have also handed Celta a bargain permanent transfer option which, while not guaranteed to be used, appears likely to become a full exit next summer if he produces a strong campaign in Spain’s top flight.
The overall picture suggests United are prepared to move on, even if the feeling is not entirely shared by Bayındır. His farewell hinted at a genuine connection with the club despite a frustrating three-year spell.
That departure also fits into United’s wider plans, with the club now understood to be focusing on exits as they look to raise funds for further summer spending.
Complicating that process are salary rises on contracts agreed under the previous ownership. With United back in the Champions League, several players have already received pay increases of up to 25%.
