Real Madrid have identified Manchester City star Rodri as their priority transfer target for 2025, as the Spanish midfielder hesitates on signing a contract extension with the Premier League champions.
At 28, Rodri is at the peak of his career, with his current deal at Manchester City running until 2027.
However, despite City’s efforts to secure his long-term future, the midfielder has yet to commit to a new contract.
According to Spanish outlet AS, this uncertainty has caught the attention of Real Madrid, who are keen to bring him back to his hometown and fill the void left by the eventual retirement of Toni Kroos.
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Rodri stalling on new City deal
Real Madrid, confident of securing Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies next summer, are now turning their focus to Rodri as part of their long-term strategy. The club sees him as the ideal candidate to take on a pivotal role in their midfield, similar to how Zinedine Zidane did when he joined the club at 29—the same age Rodri will be in 2025.
City are reportedly willing to make Rodri one of their highest earners, potentially matching the salary of star striker Erling Haaland. But the allure of returning to Madrid and playing a central role in Real’s project could tempt Rodri to leave Manchester.
Real Madrid are aware that Rodri's situation could change if he renews with City, but they’re prepared to wait until the end of the current season before making any decisive moves. By then, Rodri will have only two years left on his contract, and with Pep Guardiola potentially leaving City in 2025, the timing could be perfect for Rodri to embark on a new chapter.
Real Madrid have identified Rodri as their main objective for next season, according to @diarioas. Carlo Ancelotti, Florentino Pérez and the club’s sporting leaders all share a ‘great dream’ of signing the #ManCity midfielder. 🇪🇸📰 pic.twitter.com/DJULQUB53y
— City Xtra (@City_Xtra) September 4, 2024
However, Real Madrid might have to shell out over €100 million (£85m/$111m) to bring him to Santiago Bernabeu—a fee similar to what they paid for Jude Bellingham.
If Rodri makes the move, he is expected to claim the No. 16 shirt, which is currently worn by Brazilian teenager Endrick. Endrick might switch to the No. 9 jersey if Kylian Mbappe joins Real Madrid and takes the No. 10 shirt from Luka Modric, who is likely to leave next summer.
In addition to strengthening their midfield, signing Rodri would also increase the number of Spanish players in Real Madrid’s squad, which has dwindled following the departures of Nacho Fernandez and Joselu to the Middle East.