There are several players who have played for both Manchester City and Real Madrid.
The likes of Brahim Diaz, Danilo, Nicolas Anelka, Steve McManaman, Emmanuel Adebayor, Javi Garcia and Jose Angel Pozo have all played for both clubs.
Most recently, Danilo signed for City in 2017 from the Spanish capital before he was sold in 2019 while Diaz also signed for Los Blancos in the same year.
However, the Sky Blues’ players, especially during Pep Guardiola’s time have seemed untouchable for even clubs of Los Merengues’ stature.
Especially City’s key players, considering they have been similarly successful to them in recent years.
But Real Madrid always seemingly back themselves to sign any player in the world.
The Spanish giants are one of, if not the biggest clubs in the history of the game and they have always seemed to sign some of the most high-profile names in the sport.
Report shares Rodri and Real Madrid transfer revelation
Real Madrid were able to sign Luis Figo directly from Barcelona as well as the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and David Beckham from Manchester United; signalling their unique status in world football.
Manchester City have a few players who might certainly appeal to the champions of Europe.
One of them is Erling Haaland, as they still lack a striker in their ranks.
However, with the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr., Rodrygo and Jude Bellingham already at their disposal, they would have to be open to dropping a big name if they even considered signing him.
But it seems like the European juggernaut have their sights set on a player already.
According to a report by AS, Rodri is considered the “big fish” by Real Madrid in the summer transfer window of 2025 — a player both Carlo Ancelotti and chief scout Juni Calafat dream of signing.
So much so that the £62.5 million man is bordering on becoming a “priority target” for Real Madrid.
La Liga’s defending champions are believed to be on the lookout for a successor to Toni Kroos and they have earmarked Rodri as his heir.
However, Real Madrid are not believed to seriously explore a move for the £220,000-a-week man until the end of the season.
The Spanish international’s agent, Pablo Barquero is also Real Madrid Castilla boss Raul Gonzalez’s agent and as a result, he has a strong relationship with the club’s hierarchy.
The report claims that Rodri does not rule out extending his contract beyond 2027, as he is aware that a pay rise could mean he earns as much as Erling Haaland.
But it also been stated that the four-time Premier League winner would be open to a return to his hometown of Madrid, especially if Pep Guardiola leaves City after his deal expires in 2025; a decision that could potentially automatically instantly prompt him to leave England in favour of moving to Spain once again.
Man City must wrap up Rodri contract extension quickly
Graeme Souness described Rodri as “elegant” and claimed he is the best holding midfielder in the world.
While the 28-year-old seems incredibly committed to Manchester City at all times, it would be a risk if his long-future is not resolved come the end of the season.
Real Madrid are perhaps the only club in world football who are on the same tier as City in terms of their draw as well as their recent success and lofty ambitions.
After the 2024/2025 season comes to an end, Rodri will have a mere two years left on his contract.
In such an instance, if the Euro 2024 winner decides to depart the club, the Sky Blues will be forced to let him go to bank a huge fee from his potential sale.
As a result, one of Manchester City’s primary priorities should be to ensure Rodri signs a contract extension — as he is arguably their best player nowadays.
City will be working behind the scenes to ensure the decorated midfielder puts pen to paper.
