Real Madrid chances of signing Ballon d'Or winner improve if Jurgen Klopp arrives

Jurgen Klopp is the name on most Real Madrid fans' lips regarding who should replace Xabi Alonso at the end of the season. While Florentino Perez has placed Alvaro Arbeloa in caretaker charge, it seems unlikely the Spaniard will keep the job long term.

Alonso was dismissed on Monday (January 13th) and Klopp's name was immediately instilled as the favorite. The German is currently out of management, running Red Bull's project in Germany as Head of Global Soccer.

Klopp has already downplayed potentially taking the job but reports in his homeland claim he is "seriously considering" it. If he does arrive in the Estadio Bernabeu dugout, it could help the club in their pursuit of one of Europe's best players.

Real Madrid have plan to sign new midfielder

Madrid's midfield has been an issue this season and even Alonso pointed out that its lacking a suitable six. There have been named linked with the club including Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton and AZ Alkmaar's Kees Smit.

But those two youngsters wouldn't make the type of impact that can be expected if Rodri were to join Los Merengues. The Spanish midfielder's future is uncertain at Manchester City with his contract expiring in 2027.

Marca reports that Madrid are looking to "exploit" Rodri's contractual situation and believe if they can "exert pressure" on City it will help secure his signature in the summer. The 29-year-old has recovered from a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a hamstring injury but remains one of Europe's most highly-rated defensive midfielders.

There are rumors growing in England that Pep Guardiola might call time on his Etihad career at the end of the season. That would be an opportune time to try and approach City over possibly signing their 2024 Ballon d'Or winner.

Rodri has been one of Guardiola's favorites and as such might not want to be part of the new era without his long-term manager. A return to Spain has always been spoken about and he'd be a massive signing at the start of a potential Klopp reign.

Rodri might want to play under Klopp

Rodri has spent just short of seven years at City where he has become one of the club's legends and Guardiola's anchorman. He has made 278 appearances, scoring 27 goals and providing 32 assists.

Spain's Euro 2024 winner scored the most important goal in the club's history when he struck the winner in a 1-0 win over Inter Milan in the 2022-23 Champions League final. This meant the Sky Blues won the European title for the first time in their history and was part of a treble.

Rodri has won four titles at City and most of those came at the expense of Klopp's Liverpool. He once acknowledged the Reds as the best team in Europe when speaking back in 2019 ahead of his debut (via Liverpool Echo):

"They're a great team, they have improved a lot of things, they're a very good team, and they're the best team in England and in Europe."

Rodri could therefore be enticed to not only return to his homeland and join many of his Spanish compatriots but also play under another of Europe's greatest coaches. There is usually as much desire from a player to be part of a Klopp team as there is a Guardiola one.