It seems like Real Madrid tend to plan in advance when they wish to sign a player and as things stand, Manchester City maestro Rodri is their number one target.
On Tuesday, it was reported that Real Madrid could try to sign Rodri if City are found guilty of breaching the Premier League’s financial regulations involving their much-discussed 115 charges.
Earlier this month, a report emerged that Carlo Ancelotti has earmarked Rodri as Los Blancos’ priority transfer in the summer of 2025 — with the club viewing him as the rightful heir to the retired Toni Kroos.
Rodri’s contract at City expires in 2027 and it goes without saying that he is an indispensable figure in the side.
The £220,000-a-week man is one of the favourites to win the Ballon d’Or and one of the best players in world football.
As a result, if Real Madrid are indeed desperate to sign Rodri, their interest would be understandable as he is well and truly an elite player.
Cesc Fabregas feels Rodri should win the Ballon d’Or over a player of the calibre of Vinicius Jr. as well.
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Rodri speaks out about Man City future as Real Madrid plot move
Such is the respect that the 28-year-old commands — perhaps especially after emerging as one of Spain’s best players as they won Euro 2024 in the summer.
The midfield maestro is in the prime of his career and judging by his form, the four-time Premier League winner seemingly has plenty of years left to play at the highest level.
But as a career, football has quite a short lifespan.
It is quite rare that players play well into their thirties.
As a result, it seems likely that the Spanish international will continue to play at his best football for a few more years.
Rodri returned to action in a Manchester City shirt in his side’s 2-1 win against Brentford and he could be in line for his first start of the 2024/2025 season against Inter Milan on Wednesday.
The former Atletico Madrid midfielder was quizzed about being offered a contract offer, whether he plans to put pen to paper and his future at the Etihad Stadium.
Rodri said via Manchester City’s official YouTube channel: “Nothing much to say. I have, with this three more years at City and when I signed the contract, I don’t think of other teams, I just think of finishing. So yeah, I have a contract with City, nothing else to say.”
Rodri response is not much to go by amid Real Madrid rumours
The Manchester City talisman’s response does not give much of an indicator about his plans for the future.
Perhaps Rodri has not given serious consideration about signing a new contract as his focus remains on the present.
For instance, the decorated technician could well be spending his time to reach full match sharpness after being given an extended break during the summer after the European Championship.
Only time will tell whether Real Madrid’s reported interest has turned Rodri’s head.
As things stand, the City stalwart seems to be focused on his time at the club.
