The possibility of Rodri, the Spanish midfielder from Manchester City, transferring to Real Madrid has sharply diminished, despite prior speculations linking the player to the Spanish giants over recent months. According to the renowned Spanish outlet AS, the management of Real Madrid no longer considers Rodri a priority target during the upcoming summer transfer window, even though the player’s contract with Manchester City extends until summer 2027.
Rodri is expected to make his return to Santiago Bernabéu this week, as Manchester City visits Real Madrid for a highly anticipated UEFA Champions League clash. This encounter will mark the midfielder’s first appearance at the stadium since receiving the prestigious Ballon d’Or award in 2024.
Real Madrid’s Shift in Midfield Strategy
Once considered a fundamental component of Manchester City‘s lineup, Rodri’s season has been notably impacted by a severe anterior cruciate ligament injury sustained in September 2024. Subsequent intermittent injuries upon his return sidelined him from crucial fixtures, including a prior Champions League group stage match against Real Madrid.
Meanwhile, the Los Blancos have redirected their focus towards a cadre of promising young midfielders as they seek to reinforce the pivot position. Among the prospects under close scrutiny are Adam Hložek from Crystal Palace, Kees Smit, a rising talent at Alkmaar, and the Portuguese sensation Vitinha of Paris Saint-Germain.
The report highlights that Real Madrid‘s board remains in the phase of meticulous appraisal of potential midfield recruits, carefully weighing how each candidate’s profile aligns with the club’s tactical demands and long-term vision.
Moreover, transfer decisions are poised to be influenced by the identity of the head coach who will steer the team in the forthcoming season. Currently, Álvaro Arbeloa is serving as the interim manager, succeeding Xabi Alonso, amid lingering uncertainties regarding his tenure. This managerial instability follows a downturn in performance, notably the loss of the top spot in the La Liga standings to Barcelona by a margin of four points, consequent to two successive defeats.