Overview

• Real Madrid has targeted the 29-year-old Rodri to restore midfield cohesion after departures of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric and a dip caused by Jude Bellingham’s injury.
• Toni Kroos publicly endorsed the move in El País Semanal, praising Rodri’s ability to anchor play and underline his strategic importance.
• Manchester City is working on a contract extension to keep Rodri under deal through 2027 and ward off a potential 2026 departure.
• The pursuit aligns with Real Madrid’s broader €178 million summer overhaul that blends emerging talents like Trent Alexander-Arnold with established stars.
• Rodri returned from a nine-month knee injury late last season and carries the pedigree of a Ballon d’Or winner sought for his stabilizing presence.