Real Madrid Finalizes Rodri Transfer Decision Following Interest in Mac Allister and Fernandez
Real Madrid's pursuit of a high-profile central midfielder has led them to once again focus on Manchester City's Rodri as their primary objective, according to recent reports.
The exits of Toni Kroos and Luka Modrić in back-to-back summers have significantly impacted Madrid's midfield dynamics. Although the existing quartet of Aurélien Tchouaméni, Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga and Jude Bellingham all possess exceptional talent, none can replicate the rhythm-controlling distribution that Kroos and Modrić provided.
New head coach Xabi Alonso attempted to solve this issue by deploying Arda Güler in a more withdrawn position during the Club World Cup, though doubts remain about his capacity to excel in that role at elite level, prompting the hunt for fresh reinforcements in the market.
AS reports that Madrid have evaluated Chelsea's Enzo Fernández, Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister and Inter's Nicolò Barella during their quest for a seasoned acquisition, but financial concerns regarding all three targets has redirected attention back to Rodri.
Madrid are reluctant to entrust such a crucial role to an unproven talent and remain determined that any new signing must be experienced and virtually certain to succeed at the Bernabéu, with club hierarchy believing Rodri is the sole player who meets these criteria while remaining potentially obtainable.
At 29 years of age with two seasons remaining on his current deal, there's speculation that City might consider selling for an appropriate offer—potentially matching the fee Madrid are seeking for Rodrygo's departure this summer.
The primary concern regarding a Rodri transfer relates to his recent fitness issues. The Ballon d'Or recipient was sidelined for most of the previous campaign due to an ACL rupture, and uncertainty remains over his ability to regain peak performance levels.
These fitness worries might compel Madrid to delay their Rodri pursuit until the following summer, providing sufficient time to assess his injury rehabilitation while allowing Los Blancos to employ their traditional strategy of encouraging targets to run down their contracts.
By next summer, Rodri will enter the final year of his agreement unless he signs an extension, creating an opportunity for Madrid to pursue him at a reduced price.