In a transfer saga that could reshape European football, Real Madrid is reportedly preparing a blockbuster offer to lure Manchester City’s Ballon d’Or-winning midfielder Rodri to the Santiago Bernabeu. The Spanish giants, under new manager Xabi Alonso, are said to be crafting a jaw-dropping player-plus-cash deal, offering Brazilian forward Rodrygo and French midfielder Eduardo Camavinga, along with €40 million (£35 million), to secure the services of the 29-year-old Spanish star. Rodri, widely regarded as the world’s premier defensive midfielder, has been a linchpin for City, and this ambitious move underscores Madrid’s determination to reclaim dominance in La Liga and the Champions League after a trophyless 2024-25 season.
Rodri’s allure is undeniable. The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, who also earned the Player of the Tournament award at Euro 2024, has been instrumental in Manchester City’s run of four consecutive Premier League titles and their 2023 Champions League triumph, where he scored the decisive goal against Inter Milan. His tactical intelligence, precise passing, and ability to anchor Pep Guardiola’s system have made him indispensable. “The influence of the central midfielder is often only valued when it is missing,” Rodri once told a Spanish radio program, reflecting on the “invisible” work of defensive midfielders. However, his season was marred by a serious ACL injury in September 2024 during a draw with Arsenal, sidelining him for much of the campaign. His return at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, where City suffered a shock last-16 exit to Al-Hilal, was hampered by a minor setback, raising concerns about his long-term fitness.
Real Madrid’s interest in Rodri predates his injury, with president Florentino Perez viewing him as the ideal successor to Toni Kroos, who retired in 2024. “Rodri is an ideal candidate to strengthen the team’s central line,” a source close to Alonso reportedly noted, emphasizing his ability to dictate play and bolster Madrid’s midfield alongside stars like Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde. The proposed deal, valued at nearly €200 million when factoring in the market worth of Rodrygo (€100 million) and Camavinga (€50 million), reflects Madrid’s desperation to address their midfield vulnerabilities after losing Kroos and Luka Modric. Alonso, who took over from Carlo Ancelotti in 2025, sees Rodri as key to his vision of controlling games, especially after a 4-0 Club World Cup semi-final defeat to PSG exposed Madrid’s lack of midfield stability.
The inclusion of Rodrygo and Camavinga is a bold gambit. Rodrygo, 24, has grown frustrated playing second fiddle to Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe, despite scoring 17 goals in the 2024-25 season. “It’s not at all clear how genuine the interest from the clubs listed above is,” one observer noted, but Alonso has reportedly approved his departure to facilitate the Rodri deal. Camavinga, 22, a versatile midfielder with a Champions League title, is a favorite of Guardiola, who admires his energy and adaptability. “When Real Madrid, the best club in history, comes calling, you have to pay attention,” Rodri said in 2024, hinting at his openness to a move, though he quickly added, “I’m happy at City.” Born in Madrid, the prospect of returning home could tempt him, especially with his contract entering its final two years in 2027.
Manchester City, however, are unlikely to let their talisman go without a fight. Guardiola has called Rodri “possibly the most important player” in his squad, a sentiment echoed by former United star Rio Ferdinand. City’s struggles without Rodri last season, losing all three Premier League games during his suspension, highlight his value. With talks of a new contract offering £375,000 a week stalled due to his injury, City are keen to secure his future. “Man City do not want to sell Rodri to Madrid,” an insider claimed, noting their reluctance to strengthen a Champions League rival. The proposed swap deal, while tempting, carries risks for City, especially given Rodri’s injury history and the unproven fit of Rodrygo and Camavinga in their system.
As the summer transfer window heats up, Madrid’s pursuit of Rodri signals their intent to reclaim European supremacy. Alonso’s strategy hinges on bold moves, with recent signings like Dean Huijsen and Alvaro Carreras already bolstering the squad. Whether City will entertain this “mind-blowing” offer remains uncertain, but the prospect of Rodrygo and Camavinga heading to the Etihad adds intrigue to a deal that could redefine both clubs’ futures. For Rodri, the lure of Madrid’s storied legacy and a return to his hometown could prove irresistible, setting the stage for a transfer battle of epic proportions.
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