World Cup brilliance pushes Real Madrid to chase Rodri

Real Madrid have revived their pursuit of Manchester City midfielder Rodri, with the Spanish international now a target after his World Cup performances, according to journalist Sergio Valentin who cited Jose Mourinho’s view that the player can transform the club’s new‑look midfield.

Previously, concerns over Rodri’s age, injury record and the size of any potential transfer fee kept the move in the background, but reports say that position has now changed.

Mourinho has asked Real Madrid to sign a midfielder with a different profile – an organiser who can control possession and give structure – a role he believes Rodri can fill after the departures of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric. Current options such as Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga and Federico Valverde provide energy and defensive security but do not dictate tempo.

Rodri himself would welcome a move to the Santiago Bernabeu, although both clubs expect any negotiations to wait until after the World Cup concludes.

With Rodri now in the final year of his Manchester City contract, Real Madrid see the conditions for a deal as more favourable than earlier in the summer, despite earlier reservations about an expensive signing and his recent injury problems.

A transfer would almost certainly require movement in Real Madrid’s own squad before a formal approach could be made, and could reshape the midfield for both clubs. (Photo by Florencia Tan)