Carvajal Demands Real Madrid Splash Cash on Star Signing After Ancelotti's Shocking Departure
Dani Carvajal openly endorsed Rodri as a potential target for Real Madrid to pursue following the Carlo Ancelotti era.
Although Real Madrid welcomed four fresh faces to the Spanish capital during the summer transfer window, including new manager Xabi Alonso, the club failed to secure a midfield addition before the window shut. The team has desperately needed a deep-lying playmaker since Toni Kroos' retirement, and Luka Modrić's exit has only widened the gap in Los Blancos' roster.
The Spanish powerhouse was recently connected to various Premier League talents, including Rodri. The Manchester City midfielder would integrate smoothly into Real Madrid's engine room, though reports suggest the 15-time European champions wouldn't make a move for the 2024 Ballon d'Or recipient until the following summer.
This ambitious transfer is one that Carvajal fully supports. The 33-year-old defender, who claimed Euro 2024 glory with Spain alongside Rodri, expressed his wish to see his compatriot return to his homeland and potentially unite with him at the Santiago Bernabéu.
"Rodri would make an excellent addition, I won't lie about that. He's a Madrid native. He's spent considerable time [at Manchester City]," Carvajal stated on Cadena SER's El Larguero.
"I believe a change of scenery would benefit him. That's how I need to pitch it to him," Carvajal said with a smile.
"A talent like Rodri would strengthen any squad," the Spanish defender added. "His current club has shown tremendous faith in him. It mirrors [what] I experienced with Madrid. The day after [sustaining a serious injury] they extended my deal and I'm indebted to the club. I always will be. You constantly want to repay that loyalty through any means possible."
Rodri suffered an ACL rupture and was sidelined for nearly the entire Cityzens' 2024–25 season. Just as he appeared to regain full fitness, he experienced another setback following the FIFA Club World Cup.
Similar to Manchester City's difficulties last campaign without their Ballon d'Or champion, Real Madrid also endured a frustrating final season under Ancelotti's guidance. Los Blancos failed to capture any silverware and allowed 83 goals in all competitions, sorely missing Carvajal, who was confined to the treatment room with his own ACL problem.
The underwhelming campaign led to Ancelotti's dismissal, a decision Carvajal ultimately supported: "The coaching change was essential. Carlo's time had reached its conclusion. We required fresh energy.
"With Xabi performing excellently, we're incorporating new concepts daily and we've enjoyed a positive start with three victories. We still have considerable ground to cover before reaching our potential."
Real Madrid entered the September international window leading the La Liga table with a perfect nine points from three matches under Alonso. The Spanish giants aim to maintain their winning streak when they resume league play against Real Sociedad on September 13.