In a stunning twist that has set the football world abuzz, Real Madrid have tabled an audacious offer to lure Manchester City’s midfield linchpin Rodri to the Santiago Bernabéu. The Spanish giants are reportedly prepared to part with €40 million (£35m) and two talented players—Eduardo Camavinga and Rodrygo—both of whom are highly admired by City’s manager Pep Guardiola. This blockbuster proposal, described as “crazy” by insiders, underscores Real Madrid’s determination to secure the services of the 29-year-old Spaniard, who has been a cornerstone of Manchester City’s dominance in recent years.
Rodri, fresh off winning the 2024 Ballon d’Or, has been instrumental in City’s success, anchoring their midfield with unmatched composure and tactical intelligence. Despite a challenging 2024/25 season for City, which saw them finish third in the Premier League and miss out on major trophies, Rodri’s performances remained a beacon of consistency. His absence due to an ACL injury against Arsenal in September 2024 exposed City’s vulnerabilities, prompting Guardiola to build his squad around the midfielder for the 2025/26 campaign. “Rodri is the only name that really convinces both the president and Xabi Alonso, who has insisted on the need to bring in a player who can dictate the pace of the game from midfield,” a source close to Real Madrid’s hierarchy revealed, highlighting the club’s belief in Rodri’s ability to transform their midfield.
Real Madrid’s offer is a strategic masterstroke, blending financial muscle with players who could tempt City. Eduardo Camavinga, the 22-year-old French dynamo, has long been on Guardiola’s radar. His versatility, allowing him to play as a holding midfielder or left-back, and his “extraordinary qualities,” as praised by former Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti, make him an ideal fit for City’s system. Rodrygo, the 24-year-old Brazilian winger, brings flair and goal-scoring prowess, with 14 goals and 11 assists in 54 appearances last season. Despite falling down Real Madrid’s pecking order after Kylian Mbappé’s arrival, Rodrygo’s potential to replace Jack Grealish, who was excluded from City’s Club World Cup squad, adds further allure. “Real Madrid are willing to sacrifice key players in order to complete a deal,” the source added, acknowledging the high stakes of the negotiation.
Manchester City, however, are unlikely to let Rodri go without a fight. The Spaniard’s contract runs until 2027, and his market value is estimated at €110 million, far exceeding the cash component of Real Madrid’s offer. City’s midfield is already in transition, with Kevin De Bruyne set to depart at the end of his contract and Bernardo Silva linked to Paris Saint-Germain. Losing Rodri, described as “untouchable” by Guardiola, would be a seismic blow. “They’ve screwed us with this signing,” Guardiola reportedly said of Real Madrid’s acquisition of Dean Huijsen, hinting at his frustration with missed opportunities. City’s recent signings, including Rayan Aït-Nouri and Tijjani Reijnders, reflect Guardiola’s intent to strengthen the squad, but none match Rodri’s unique profile.
Real Madrid’s pursuit is driven by new manager Xabi Alonso’s vision to bolster the midfield following the departures of Luka Modrić and Toni Kroos. Alonso sees Rodri as the ideal successor to anchor the team alongside Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde. However, Rodri’s recent knee injury raises concerns, with Real Madrid’s president Florentino Pérez wary of spending €100 million on a player nearing 30 and recovering from a significant setback. “By now, there’s nothing that convinces them in the market,” journalist Antón Meana noted, suggesting Pérez’s cautious approach to the transfer.
The football community is watching closely as this saga unfolds. Social media is alight with speculation, with fans marveling at Real Madrid’s bold strategy while City supporters urge their club to hold firm. The proposed swap deal, if accepted, could reshape both teams’ futures, but Real Madrid faces an uphill battle to convince City to part with their midfield maestro. As the transfer window heats up, this “crazy” offer promises to be one of the summer’s defining stories.
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