Real Madrid have made up their minds regarding one of the names that often appeared on the white team’s agenda in recent years. The club is no longer considering the signing of Manchester City’s defensive midfielder Rodri.
Real Madrid have wanted to sign Rodri ever since he moved from city rivals Atlético Madrid to Manchester City for €70 million in 2019. – At his peak, according to Transfermarkt, Rodri was worth 130 million euros, now he is about the level he was bought for almost seven years ago.
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Surprising to everyone that Real Madrid are now dropping a player they have wanted for many years. – There are rumours that the focus has shifted to Newcastle’s defensive midfielder Sandro Tonali.
There is agreement in the Bernabéu offices. The profile has been analysed in detail, but his current situation does not fit into the club’s action plan to strengthen the midfield.
Rodri was not so long ago the best footballer in the woods, which he “proved” by winning the Ballon d’or in 2024. – We think he will be back!
The conclusion is clear: Real Madrid will not go after Rodri as long as he has a valid contract and as long as his physical performance continues to vary.
Real Madrid cools down an operation that no longer convinces
The surveillance of Rodri has been constant for several seasons. His leadership at Manchester City and his tactical importance made him a recurring name on the white team’s radar.
However, Real Madrid believes that the moment has passed. The player’s age, close to thirty, and a recent history of physical issues have weighed heavily in the final assessment.
The sports management understands that a high investment in Rodri would not make sense within the current club model. Real Madrid prioritizes younger profiles with greater potential and less risk in the medium term.
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Rodri and his situation at Manchester City
Rodri has a contract with Manchester City until 2027, a key detail in Real Madrid’s analysis. Any negotiation would involve a very high cost, which is completely out of the question.
Valdebebas is not considering paying a transfer fee for the Spanish midfielder. The attitude is clear: his arrival would only be studied if he went clubless, a far-fetched possibility that is not part of the current planning.
Moreover, the recent performance of Rodri, although still important at Manchester City, has not completely convinced Real Madrid, who observe a certain inconsistency in his physical form.
A profile that no longer fits into the white team’s strategy
Real Madrid aim to build their midfield for the future with players who can make their mark. In this context, Rodri no longer fits in as a strategic bet.
The club believes that his signing would have an immediate impact, but not a structural one. This difference is crucial in Real Madrid’s current sports policy, increasingly focused on competitive sustainability.
For this reason, the Rodri option has been shelved. There are no ongoing discussions, no indirect contacts and no intention to rekindle interest in the upcoming transfer windows.
Real Madrid look to other horizons
The decision to exclude Rodri does not imply immobilism. Real Madrid remains vigilant in the market, but with very defined criteria, far from high-cost and high-risk operations.
The white club prefers to wait for more favorable opportunities, both in terms of age and projection. Experience is valued, but not at any cost or under any circumstance.
In this context, Manchester City remain calm. Rodri remains a key piece for Pep Guardiola and there is no pressure to negotiate his departure.
The message from Real Madrid is clear and final. Rodri is not a priority, will not be in the coming years, and only a truly exceptional scenario will change that attitude.
As of today, Real Madrid considers a door closed, which had been ajar for a while. The market continues, but the name Rodri is no longer part of the white team’s plans.
