Real Madrid has had its eye on Rodri, Manchester City’s midfielder, for a while now. He’s one of the names being looked at to replace Toni Kroos. The idea isn’t new, but according to the Spanish newspaper As, the club is seriously considering making an offer of at least €100 million. Even so, there’s no decision yet on whether the move makes sense.
Rodri is 29 and suffered a serious knee injury earlier this season. That, combined with his age, makes it unlikely the club would see any return on investment if they sold him down the line. For now, Real Madrid is still analyzing the situation. No official offer has been made.
Real Madrid has been searching for answers since Kroos left
Toni Kroos retired right after the Euro 2024. His departure left a clear gap in the midfield. The club needs someone solid to fill that space, and his absence has already been noticed this season. That’s pushed the search for a replacement with a similar profile. Rodri ended up on the list because of his experience and recent run of success.
Keeping the midfield strong is a priority for Real Madrid. They’ve got young talent like Tchouaméni, Camavinga and Valverde, but there’s still a sense that no one in the squad brings exactly what Kroos did. The feeling is that they need someone who’s ready to take that spot now—not in two or three seasons.
Rodri is under contract with City and won the Euro with Spain
Rodri’s under contract with Manchester City through 2027. He helped Spain win the Euros and also won the Ballon d'Or in 2024. Those two things helped raise his name inside Real Madrid.
Before joining City, he played for Villarreal and Atlético Madrid. In a recent interview with El Larguero, he spoke openly about his respect for Real. He said that when a club like Real Madrid calls, you’ve got to listen. That comment was seen as a clear signal that he’s open to the idea of joining.
Still, there’s been no move so far. The price tag is part of the hesitation. Rodri didn’t return to the pitch until the Club World Cup, and the nature of his injury has raised concerns. It was a serious one, and Real hasn’t made any public move to show confidence in that recovery. That’s keeping things on hold for now.