In a bold move to bolster their midfield, Real Madrid have set their sights on Manchester City’s Ballon d’Or-winning midfielder Rodri, aiming to capitalize on his contract situation in the summer of 2026. The Spanish giants, under the guidance of new manager Xabi Alonso, had initially targeted Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi as their top choice for a deep-lying playmaker. However, with Zubimendi now poised to join Arsenal for a reported £51 million, Real Madrid have swiftly pivoted to Rodri, viewing his expiring contract as a golden opportunity to secure one of the world’s premier defensive midfielders at a potentially reduced fee. “Rodri is now considered a strong ‘Plan B’,” a source close to the club revealed, describing his contract expiry in 2027 as a “sweet situation” for the Bernabeu.
Rodri, a 28-year-old Madrid native, has been the linchpin of Manchester City’s success since joining from Atlético Madrid in 2019 for €70 million. His accolades include four consecutive Premier League titles, a Champions League crown—where he scored the decisive goal in a 1-0 final victory over Inter Milan in 2023—and the 2024 Ballon d’Or, edging out Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior. Despite a challenging 2024-25 season for City, marked by a dip to fifth in the Premier League and Rodri’s recovery from a September ACL injury, his importance remains undeniable. Former Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand called him “possibly the most important player for any team in the Premier League,” highlighting his ability to dictate games with composure and precision.
Real Madrid’s interest in Rodri is not new. The club has long admired the Spaniard, who spent seven years in Atlético Madrid’s academy and senior squad before his move to England. In November 2024, Rodri addressed speculation about a potential transfer, saying, “When Real Madrid, the best and most successful club in history, calls you, it is an honour. You always have to pay attention.” Yet, he also expressed contentment at City, noting, “I feel comfortable and loved there. It’s a possibility that I could perfectly end my career in England.” His comments reflect a delicate balance between loyalty to City and the allure of returning to his hometown to play for the 15-time Champions League winners.
The timing of Real Madrid’s pursuit is strategic. With Rodri’s contract entering its final year in 2026, Manchester City face a dilemma: sell their star midfielder or risk losing him for free in 2027. City have prioritized contract renewal talks, aiming to make Rodri one of their highest earners alongside Erling Haaland, but negotiations stalled during his injury recovery. Real Madrid, known for securing elite players like Kylian Mbappé and Trent Alexander-Arnold on favorable terms, are prepared to wait, confident that City’s reluctance to lose Rodri without a fee could force their hand. The potential departure of Pep Guardiola in 2025, whose contract now runs until 2027, adds further uncertainty to City’s plans, making Rodri’s future a tantalizing prospect for Madrid.
Alonso’s vision for Real Madrid hinges on blending young talents like Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, and Federico Valverde with seasoned stars. Rodri, who would be 30 by 2026, is seen as the ideal successor to the retiring Toni Kroos, capable of anchoring the midfield with his tactical intelligence and goal-scoring instinct—evidenced by 26 goals and 31 assists in 261 appearances for City. His signing would also boost the Spanish contingent in a squad that has seen Nacho Fernandez and Joselu depart, aligning with Madrid’s strategy to maintain a strong national identity.
As both clubs gear up for the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, where Rodri is expected to start for City after regaining full fitness, the transfer saga looms large. Real Madrid’s patience contrasts with their proactive recruitment, having already secured Alexander-Arnold and River Plate’s Franco Mastantuono. For Rodri, the decision will weigh his deep ties to Spain against his storied legacy at City. “My focus is on my recovery. I have two years left on my contract, the time is approaching to sit down and speak again,” he said in 2024, leaving the door ajar for a blockbuster move that could reshape the European football landscape.
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