Real Madrid are planning an audacious move for Manchester City midfielder Rodri, according to AS.
Los Blancos have been busy this summer. After a hugely disappointing 2024/25 campaign, the Spanish giants have reinforced their squad with four new additions.
Replacing manager Carlo Ancelotti with Xabi Alonso wasn’t enough. Madrid have also signed Trent Alexander-Arnold, Franco Mastantuono, Miguel Gutierrez Carreras and Dean Huijsen.
Since Toni Kroos decided to hang up his boots last year, Madrid have been in the market for a midfielder who can fill the void he left in the middle of the park.
They need a leader, a tempo-controller, and someone who can pull the strings from midfield. Jude Bellingham has attempted to fill that role, but it has reduced his numbers in the final third.
Madrid have now set their sights on Rodri. Los Blancos have the financial muscle to fund another high-profile addition to the squad this summer.
If Rodrygo leaves the club this summer, it’ll strengthen their position even further, and there are several Premier League clubs lining up a potential move for the Brazilian forward.
After searching the market, there are not many midfielders ready to take up that role at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Several high-profile names have been discussed. Inter Milan’s Nicolo Barella, Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez, and Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister are all admired.
However, each of them is tied to a long-term contract, so any deal will likely cost more than €100 million.
That brings Madrid back to Rodri. The 29-year-old has two years left on his contract. While he’s valued at €110m on Transfermarkt, Man City will likely consider bids of around €80m.
The Ballon d’Or holder is coming back from a lengthy spell on the sidelines, having recovered from an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
He wants a new deal at Man City, but he hasn’t proven that he can pick up where he left off before the injury.
Rodri’s links to Madrid could be driven by the player’s agent to force Man City into tabling a new deal. But at the moment, the club isn’t taking the bait.
Paying €80m for Rodri would be a considerable risk for Madrid, but it could well be a bargain for a player rated as arguably the best midfielder in the world.
