Real Madrid have reportedly set their sights on Manchester City’s star midfielder Rodri, identifying him as a top transfer target for next summer.
Since joining Manchester City from Atletico Madrid in June 2019, Rodri has become a key figure for the Premier League giants. With 257 appearances under his belt, he’s contributed 26 goals and 30 assists, playing a pivotal role in the team’s incredible success. The Spain international has helped City capture four Premier League titles, two FA Cups, two EFL Cups, and most notably, the Champions League. Add to that the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup, and Rodri’s trophy cabinet is bursting.
Rodri’s remarkable form continued into the international scene, where he played a crucial role in Spain’s triumph at Euro 2024. He started six of the seven matches in the tournament, helping his nation claim their fourth European Championship title. His stellar performances over the past year haven’t gone unnoticed, earning him a nomination for the prestigious 2024 Ballon d’Or alongside his Manchester City teammates Erling Haaland, Phil Foden, and Ruben Dias.
Real Madrid’s Pursuit of Rodri
Rodri’s talents haven’t just impressed the Ballon d’Or committee, but also caught the eye of Real Madrid, the reigning European champions. According to AS, Los Blancos have made signing the City midfielder a priority for the upcoming summer transfer window. Despite Rodri being contracted with City until June 2027, the allure of returning to his home country and joining Real Madrid could be tempting for the Spanish star.
Earlier reports suggested that Manchester City are keen to tie Rodri down with a lucrative new deal in an effort to fend off interest from Madrid. However, there’s speculation that Rodri would only consider leaving City for Real Madrid, leaving him with a decision: extend his stay in Manchester or embark on a new challenge at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Why Does Real Madrid Want Rodri?
Despite having a wealth of midfield talent—including Aurelien Tchouameni, Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga, and Jude Bellingham—Real Madrid are still looking to strengthen their midfield. With the retirement of Toni Kroos earlier this summer, Madrid lost one of their most influential players, known for his technical brilliance, game intelligence, and passing range.
Moreover, Real Madrid might face another significant loss next summer, as Luka Modric’s contract is set to expire at the end of the 2024-25 season. Losing both Kroos and Modric in consecutive summers would leave a massive void in Madrid’s midfield. This is where Rodri comes in—his ability to control games, versatility, and leadership make him the ideal candidate to step in and elevate an already formidable midfield lineup under Carlo Ancelotti.
Should Modric leave, Real Madrid’s pursuit of Rodri would become even more urgent. He has the potential to become the heartbeat of the midfield, anchoring the team and bringing a wealth of experience from his success at both City and Spain.
