After their recent Champions League elimination, Real Madrid is turning its focus to rebuilding for the 2025 season, identifying Manchester City star Rodri as their leading midfield target.
Sources close to the club revealed that Rodri is now Madrid’s top priority as they look to reinforce the center of the pitch. The Spanish international has been a standout performer for City, known for his tactical awareness, control of the game, and ability to deliver in crucial moments. Madrid sees him as an ideal successor in a midfield transitioning away from long-serving stars Luka Modrić and Toni Kroos.
With Kroos nearing retirement and Modrić likely to leave or accept a diminished role, Madrid is planning a major midfield overhaul — and Rodri, who hails from Madrid, is viewed as both a tactical fit and a cultural one.
One club insider stated:
“Rodri offers the perfect mix of leadership, experience, and reliability to anchor Madrid’s midfield for years to come.”
Despite his appeal, securing Rodri won’t be straightforward. He remains under contract with Manchester City until 2027 and is integral to Pep Guardiola’s plans. However, Madrid’s financial strength and determination could turn this into one of the biggest transfer pursuits of 2025.
Although no formal negotiations have started, discussions are expected to ramp up in the near future, especially if Madrid reshapes its aging midfield core over the summer.
