Real Madrid is set to bid farewell to another midfield stalwart as Luka Modrić prepares to depart the club after the 2024-25 season concludes this weekend. Modrić’s exit follows Toni Kroos’s departure last year, signaling the definitive end of a golden era in Real Madrid’s midfield.
With two irreplaceable legends now moving on, the pressing question for Los Blancos is how they will fill the void in their central midfield for the long term. As the summer transfer window approaches, numerous names are expected to be linked with the Spanish giants, but one player has reportedly emerged at the very top of their wishlist: Manchester City’s Rodri.
On Friday, Diario AS reported that Real Madrid’s hierarchy has identified Rodri as their primary target. The Spanish outlet claims that Real Madrid’s hopes of signing the 2024 UEFA Euro winner have been somewhat dampened by a serious injury – a torn cruciate ligament in his right knee. However, despite this setback, the club remains intensely interested in bringing him to the Santiago Bernabéu.
AS further adds that Real Madrid plans to secure a central midfield leader after the FIFA Club World Cup, and Rodri is prominently among the names under consideration. The club intends to carefully assess the situation before making a final decision. The report suggests that Rodri’s possible involvement in the Nations League Final Four could be an indicator that the option for his transfer remains open.
A potential move for Rodri would be complex, as he is currently under contract with Manchester City until 2027. Any transfer to the Spanish capital this summer would undoubtedly require intricate negotiations with the English club, and the player himself might need to play a role in facilitating such a high-profile switch. Real Madrid’s pursuit of Rodri underscores their ambition to maintain their elite status by securing a world-class successor to their departing midfield icons.