Real Madrid are stepping up their long-standing interest in Manchester City midfielder Rodri, positioning the 29-year-old as a cornerstone target to restore leadership and stability in their midfield. Sources close to the Bernabeu indicate Madrid see Rodri as the ideal "on-pitch general" to command the dressing room and provide the calming influence lost with the departures of Sergio Ramos, Casemiro, Toni Kroos and Luka Modric. The Spanish giants believe City's potential "mini-revolution" this summer — triggered by Pep Guardiola's increasingly likely exit — creates a realistic window to secure a deal for the 2024 Ballon d'Or winner.
Rodri's contract at the Etihad runs until summer 2027, but renewal talks were paused last year during his recovery from knee surgery. He has started 15 of City's 23 Premier League matches this season, averaging 2.1 tackles, 1.4 interceptions and 92% pass completion per 90 minutes while contributing three goals and four assists. Under Guardiola, who has a deal until 2027 but is reportedly "extremely likely" to depart at season's end amid squad fatigue and inconsistent results, Rodri remains City's midfield linchpin. However, with no extension agreed and City's hierarchy preparing for a post-Guardiola rebuild — potentially including exits for John Stones and Bernardo Silva — Madrid sense an opening to lure him back to Spain.
Madrid's Leadership Void and Rodri's Appeal
Madrid's dressing room has been stripped of its most influential voices in recent years, leading to concerns over harmony and resilience. The decision to replace Xabi Alonso with Alvaro Arbeloa midway through the season was the first step in Florentino Perez's reset, and Rodri is now at the top of their list to provide on-field authority. As a Madrid native who has publicly expressed openness to a future move, Rodri fits both tactically and culturally. His ability to anchor a midfield, break lines with progressive passing and lead by example would complement Madrid's young core, including Jude Bellingham and Aurélien Tchouaméni, in a system that demands control and composure.
City, however, are under no pressure to sell and would demand a fee north of £100m to consider parting with a player who has been instrumental in their dominance since joining from Atletico Madrid in 2019 for £62.6m. Guardiola's potential departure adds complexity: his successor — with names like Julian Nagelsmann and Roberto De Zerbi linked — may prioritise retaining Rodri as a foundation piece. Yet Madrid's timing aligns with City's transitional phase, and Rodri's paused contract talks leave room for negotiation.
Market Reaction and Broader Implications
Betting markets have shifted in response to the reports, with odds shortening on Rodri leaving City this summer. Madrid are clear favourites among potential suitors, though retention at the Etihad remains the market leader. The latest Rodri next club odds reflect growing confidence in a high-profile transfer, but scepticism persists over whether City would sanction the sale of their most indispensable player. A £100m+ deal would provide City with funds to reinvest in multiple areas, but losing Rodri's unique blend of defensive solidity and playmaking would be a major blow to any rebuild.
Financially, Madrid's pursuit fits their strategy of targeting established stars to complement academy products. Rodri's age and peak form make him a worthwhile investment, particularly if structured with instalments to navigate salary cap constraints. For City, the decision hinges on Guardiola's fate: if he stays, Rodri is likely untouchable; if he goes, the "mini-revolution" could force tough choices on key assets.
Summer Crossroads for Rodri
The coming months will be pivotal. Rodri has expressed contentment at City but has not hidden his affinity for Madrid, and at 29 he is entering what could be his final major contract cycle. Madrid's project — blending youth with experience under Arbeloa — offers a return home and the chance to lead a new era at the Bernabeu. City must weigh loyalty to a Ballon d'Or winner against the need for squad refresh. This saga promises to be one of the summer's defining narratives, blending tactical necessity, financial strategy and personal ambition in equal measure.