Real Madrid have identified Spain and Manchester City midfielder Rodri as their top transfer target for the summer, with the Ballon d’Or winner available for around £44m.
The 29-year-old won the best player award in the world in 2024, led Spain to the European Championship, and was the heartbeat of City’s treble-winning campaign.
Per Radio Marca, Real Madrid are planning a bid for the midfielder, a move that could be considered embarrassing given the price tag, yet they may have little choice but to consider it.
Rodri has not been the same player since rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in September 2024.
The injury wiped out almost his entire last season, and even upon his return, the consistency that made him untouchable has proved elusive.
With his contract expiring in June 2027, City now have to choose between cashing in now, or watching him walk for nothing.
Madrid’s interest is rooted in necessity as much as admiration. Since Toni Kroos retired and Luka Modric moved on, the Santiago Bernabeu has lacked a genuine metronome in midfield.
They went for Arsenal’s Martin Zubimendi last summer while he was at Real Sociedad. That one got away, too. Rodri is now the name at the top of the list.
There is a complication, though. Rodri grew up a Barcelona supporter and, speaking to BetBrothers, Spanish legend Gaizka Mendieta has publicly questioned whether the midfielder could bring himself to join their fiercest rivals. His ties to Pep Guardiola and the Txiki Begiristain era at City only deepen that loyalty.
The Premier League club have been working on a contract extension that could keep him at the Etihad through 2029, and transfer insider Graham Bailey has suggested talks are progressing.
