Real Madrid are reportedly preparing a massive €150 million (£130m/$175m) offer for Manchester City midfielder Rodri, reigniting their long-standing interest in the Spanish international. However, the Premier League champions have no plans to sell their midfield lynchpin, whom they regard as indispensable.
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REAL MADRID’S AMBITIOUS MOVE
According to Express Sport, Real Madrid are ready to make Rodri their next ‘Galactico’ signing with a €150m bid. Club president Florentino Pérez is said to view the 29-year-old as the ideal successor to Luka Modric and Toni Kroos, aiming to rebuild Madrid’s midfield for the future.
RODRI’S CITY SUCCESS
Since joining Manchester City from Atletico Madrid in 2019 for £62.6m ($85m), Rodri has become a vital part of Pep Guardiola’s system. The Madrid-born midfielder was crowned the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner after guiding City to another domestic title and helping Spain to European Championship glory.
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GUARDIOLA’S PRAISE
Pep Guardiola has repeatedly highlighted Rodri’s importance to City’s success. Speaking to Sky Sports, the manager said:
“With him, we are a better team. No doubt. The holding midfielder has to think for the rest of the team and do not expect the recognition. But internally, all team-mates and staff know how important and decisive he is.”
CITY’S STANCE AND CONTRACT TALKS
City’s hierarchy, led by chairman Khaldoon Al-Mubarak, reportedly have no intention of entertaining Real’s offer. The club is said to be preparing a new contract for Rodri, extending his current deal beyond 2027 and increasing his salary to reflect his status as one of the world’s best midfielders.
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RETURN TO SPAIN?
While a return to his homeland could appeal to Rodri in the future, City are not expecting that conversation any time soon. The midfielder remains focused on regaining full fitness after sustaining a muscle injury during the win over Brentford.
ROAD TO RECOVERY
Rodri withdrew from Spain’s latest squad as a precaution but is targeting a return for City’s Premier League clash with Everton on October 18. The setback has not affected his recovery from the ACL injury that sidelined him for months last season.