Real Madrid Eyes Rodri as Xabi Alonso’s Midfield Anchor
Real Madrid are seriously considering a move for Manchester City midfielder Rodri, with club insiders believing the transfer could become feasible ahead of the 2026 summer window. The Spanish international is viewed as a key reinforcement for incoming manager Xabi Alonso, according to a report by Diario AS.
Rodri, 29, remains under contract at Manchester City until 2027, but with only two years remaining, City could be pressured to sell in the coming transfer cycle to avoid losing the player for free. Real Madrid, however, are proceeding cautiously, as they await the midfielder’s return to full form following a recent ligament injury that sidelined him for months.
Madrid Prioritizing Fitness Monitoring Before Bid
The club’s board wants to closely evaluate Rodri’s performances during the early months of the 2025/26 season before initiating formal negotiations. The midfielder is expected to return to action under Pep Guardiola, and Real Madrid will base their decision on whether he can regain the consistency that once made him the backbone of City’s midfield.
Last season, Rodri played a limited role due to injury, and his absence coincided with Manchester City’s poorest campaign in recent years a season that ended without any major titles.
Key Fit for Alonso’s Tactical Blueprint
Rodri is seen as an ideal fit for Xabi Alonso’s tactical system, providing stability, physical presence, and exceptional game intelligence. While not known for his pace, the former Atlético Madrid player excels in passing accuracy, defensive coverage, and positional awareness traits highly valued by Alonso as he prepares to reshape Madrid’s midfield.
Sources at Valdebebas suggest that Rodri is Alonso’s top midfield target, ahead of other potential options such as Chelsea’s Enzo Fernández.
Transfer Price and Contract Context
Rodri is currently valued at €110 million, according to Transfermarkt, but Manchester City are unlikely to negotiate at that price, given his integral role in the squad. Still, with just two years left on his contract, the leverage may begin to shift toward interested clubs by the 2026 window, unless a renewal is agreed.
Real Madrid will continue to monitor both Rodri’s fitness and City’s intentions over the next few months. Should his form recover fully, and negotiations on a contract extension stall, a blockbuster return to La Liga could be on the cards.
