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Real Madrid's interest in Rodri has been well-documented, and the feeling appears to be mutual.
"You can't say no to one of the greatest clubs on the planet," Rodri admitted earlier this week. "It doesn't matter whether they come into a game in good form or bad, Real Madrid will always be Real Madrid. The door remains open."
Striking words from the former Atlético Madrid midfielder currently tied to Pep Guardiola's Manchester City until 2027. Singing the praises of the side that just eliminated you from the Champions League is hardly the most diplomatic of moves.
Rodri will have few regrets if those comments help trigger a summer transfer to the Santiago Bernabéu, with Los Blancos having long been linked with the 2024 Ballon d'Or recipient. Whether such a transfer comes to fruition is yet to be determined.
Here's a look at how Madrid could set up with the highly sought-after Spaniard if a deal is agreed.
4-1-2-1-2: Sole Holding Midfielder
Rodri has established himself as one of the most complete and effective defensive midfielders of his era. Having excelled in the holding role for nearly seven years at the Etihad Stadium, the absence of any glaring weaknesses in his game is a key factor behind his extraordinary rise with the Citizens.
Above all else, though, it is Rodri's defensive qualities that stand out. Like any elite deep-lying midfielder, the 29-year-old reads danger instinctively and neutralizes it swiftly, expertly balancing tenacious defending with calculated gamesmanship. His exceptional tactical awareness allows him to operate on the edge without consequence.
Madrid already possess a similar profile in Aurélien Tchouaméni. The Frenchman has been in impressive form for Los Blancos this season, playing a key role in their recent resurgence, but Rodri—when fully fit—still performs at a level that surpasses Tchouaméni. The Spanish international's injury troubles have hampered his consistency, yet flashes of the dominant form that earned him the Ballon d'Or continue to emerge.
Rodri's addition would hand Madrid two reliable defensive midfielders and provide greater license to the club's more attack-oriented players. Jude Bellingham, Arda Güler, and Federico Valverde would all thrive alongside a natural ball-winner, freeing them to express themselves in the final third. Rodri could be the ideal anchor.
4-2-3-1: Advanced Midfielder in Double Pivot
Madrid's high-profile attackers have frequently come under fire for their lack of defensive contribution. Kylian Mbappé and Vinicius Junior are especially prone to switching off without the ball, which is why Madrid tend to look more structured when only one of their marquee forwards features from the start.
Nevertheless, in an effort to shore up Madrid's defensive shape when deploying both players in the attacking third, a double pivot of two defensive midfielders could be utilized at the base of a 4-2-3-1. Pairing Tchouaméni with Rodri in the midfield core, combined with the pressing contributions of Valverde and Bellingham from higher positions, could help offset the defensive shortcomings of Mbappé and Vinicius Jr.
With both deployed in midfield, Rodri would also have the opportunity to push into more advanced areas. While celebrated for his defensive intelligence, the City midfielder is an exceptional ball-player in possession, equipped with a full range of passing and consistently contributing goals and assists when at his sharpest.
In the season that earned Rodri the Ballon d'Or, he produced nine goals and 13 assists across all competitions. He is more than capable of functioning as a No. 8 rather than a purely destructive No. 6, and his offensive contributions should not be overlooked.