Real Madrid Reignite Rodri Interest
Real Madrid wants to sign World Cup-winning midfielder Rodri from Manchester City, as the player is set to enter the final year of his contract, according to The Athletic. Earlier this year, Rodri made it clear that he was open to a move to Real Madrid, but the hierarchy was not open to a move for the 30-year-old, and the decision was to look at the situation of the player after the World Cup while Manchester City was pushing Rodri for a contract extension.
World Cup Triumph Changes Madrid's Stance
Rodri's outstanding tournament, which saw Spain lift the trophy and the midfielder win the Golden Ball, has reportedly convinced Florentino Pérez and the club's hierarchy to reconsider a move.
Rodri Set for Surgery
The 2024 Ballon d'Or winner will undergo surgery on Monday to address a persistent back injury ahead of the new season.
Enzo Maresca Responds to Transfer Speculation
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca expressed his optimism in the case of Rodri to the press.
“For now, surgery is on Monday, and he needs a holiday; he needs to rest and needs recovery,” Maresca said. “Then he will be back with us.”
“Around big players, there is always speculation,” Maresca said on Friday in his first press conference as Man City boss. “I am not worried about that—it is normal. They won the World Cup, and he was the best player. Every manager would want Rodri because he is a top player.”
Despite Real Madrid's growing interest, Rodri's immediate focus is recovering from injury before returning to action for Manchester City.
Real Madrid See Rodri as Midfield Leader
If Los Blancos could strike a deal with Manchester City, it would be a great addition for Real Madrid in the midfield, as the player possesses the ability to dictate the flow of the game from deep and drive the game forward.
The presence of Rodri will help Real Madrid to bring back elite control in the midfield, which they lost following the departure of Toni Kroos in 2024.