Real Madrid are reportedly putting plans in place to move for Manchester City midfielder Rodri during next summer's transfer window.
Los Blancos head coach Carlo Ancelotti recently said that his club would not be making any further additions to their squad this summer after the arrivals of Kylian Mbappe and Endrick.
Toni Kroos has retired from professional football, but Jude Bellingham is expected to drop back into central midfield next season due to Mbappe's arrival, with Real Madrid therefore deciding against entering the transfer market for a Kroos replacement.
However, according to CaughtOffside, Real Madrid do want to sign a new central midfielder in the summer of 2025, and the reigning European and Spanish champions have identified Rodri as their leading target in that area of the field.
The report claims that an exit for Man City head coach Pep Guardiola next summer, which is possible due to his contract situation, could open the door for Rodri to leave.
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Real Madrid 'eyeing' move for Man City star Rodri
Widely regarded as one of the best central midfielders in world football, Rodri started his professional career at Villarreal in 2015, spending three years with the Yellow Submarine before arriving at Atletico Madrid.
One impressive season for the capital giants led to Man City signing him in 2019, and he has represented the Citizens on 257 occasions, scoring 26 goals and registering 30 assists.
Rodri has won four Premier League titles, one FA Cup, two League Cups and the Champions League during his time at the Etihad Stadium, while he played a vital role in Spain winning this summer's European Championship.
The midfielder has another three years left to run on his contract, but Real Madrid are believed to be confident of securing his signature next summer.
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Carvajal recently talked-up Rodri move to Real Madrid
During Euro 2024, Real Madrid defender Dani Carvajal said that his Spain teammate Rodri "would be perfect" for Los Blancos.
"Without a doubt, I'd want him at Real Madrid. I tell him every day to leave Manchester, there is no sun there, to come to Madrid because we need him. He tells me he has a contract... but he would be perfect for us," Carvajal told El Partidazo de COPE.
Rodri is rated by transfermarkt at €130m (£111m), which is a fair valuation considering his importance, and he had the best goalscoring season of his career in 2023-24.
The midfielder managed nine goals and 14 assists in 50 appearances in all competitions, including eight goals and nine assists in the Premier League.
Man City will, of course, be desperate to keep hold of Rodri, but not too many players turn Real Madrid down, and if he wins more silverware for Man City next term, then the Spaniard may be looking for a fresh challenge at this stage of his career.
Matt Law
