Jurgen Klopp reportedly agrees terms with Real Madrid including the mandatory signing of Manchester City star Rodri

Jurgen Klopp is reportedly set to join Real Madrid this summer, having agreed on four signings including Man City star Rodri and four major squad exits.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 3, 2026, 6:27 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Football365

A Rapid Managerial Transition at the Bernabeu

Real Madrid is reportedly finalizing a deal to bring Jurgen Klopp to the Santiago Bernabeu as their permanent head coach for the 2026/27 season. The club has experienced significant instability on the bench following the sacking of Xabi Alonso in early January, a decision prompted by a Spanish Super Cup final loss to Barcelona and rumors of dressing room unrest. While former defender Alvaro Arbeloa was appointed as a successor, he is viewed as a temporary solution as the club pursues an elite permanent replacement.

The Mandatory Pursuit of Rodri

Central to the negotiations between Klopp and club president Florentino Perez is the acquisition of Manchester City midfielder Rodri. Klopp reportedly views the Real Madrid midfield as the primary weakness in the current squad and has labeled the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner as a "non-negotiable" signing. Rodri, who is nearing 30 and has a contract expiring in 2027, is reportedly keen on a return to his home city and would be willing to serve as the cornerstone of Klopp's new tactical project.

Agreed Departures and a Defensive Clearout

The proposed arrival of Klopp is expected to trigger a significant exit of established personnel. Reports from Spain indicate that four specific departures have already been agreed upon: Fran Garcia, Dani Ceballos, David Alaba, and the young prospect Franco Mastantuono. These exits are designed to trim the wage bill and create space for the high profile defensive and midfield reinforcements the German manager has requested to implement his high intensity playing style.