Real Madrid are reportedly moving ahead with their efforts to try and sign Manchester City midfielder Rodri. The La Liga giants are keen on bolstering their midfield this summer and have set their sights on the Spaniard, per Radio Marca (via Transfer News Live).
Rodri is regarded as one of the best defensive midfielders in history. He has been a key man under Pep Guardiola, crucial in their treble triumph in 2023.
The 29-year-old has dealt with recurring injury issues in recent seasons and that should be a major concern. His fitness struggles have coincided with a drop in performances and it's why a potential move might not be the best idea.
Rodri has appeared 23 times across competitions this season but spent a spell on the sidelines with a hamstring injury in the winter. While he remains a regular starter under Guardiola, he hasn't replicated the stunning performances that saw him win the Ballon d'Or in 2024.
Rodri isn't the answer
Madrid are thought to be eyeing Rodri in a £44m deal which is a reasonable price on paper. But he will have a year left on his contract and that's not factoring in his likely expensive wage demands.
Rodri's best days are behind him and swooping for the Spaniard at such a price is a risk. A younger profile should be the priority even if that means paying more money.
There's no guarantee that Los Blancos will be able to sign Rodri given he is enjoying life at the Etihad. Speculation over his future has grown due to uncertainty over Guardiola staying on with the Cityzens.
Guardiola has spent a decade in charge of City and has shown fatigue in recent seasons. He will also have a year remaining on his contract but talk in England suggests he might look to part ways in the summer.
Look elsewhere
The main priority should be trying to sign Paris Saint-Germain's Vitinha despite the astronomical fee that the Parisians are likely to demand. The Portuguese midfielder is 26 and reaching his peak, able to become a long-term midfield option.
Madrid have also been linked with Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez although the Premier League club are asking for a price way over the £106m they paid for him. Experience is key but so too is thinking about the club's long-term future.
Rodri is without question a sensational midfielder but he isn't the solution for the current Los Blancos team. It will be interesting to see if the club do pursue the City man and whether he's the only midfield arrival.