Real Madrid are pulling out all the stops to sign Manchester City midfielder Rodri this summer, as Jose Mourinho prepares to return to the Santiago Bernabéu dugout.
Mourinho’s First Big Move: Real Madrid Go After Rodri
The Spanish international has become a top priority for the incoming boss, who wants the 29-year-old to anchor his new-look midfield.
Doubts continue to swirl over Rodri’s future at the Etihad, with the player approaching the final year of his current contract. Despite reports of weeks-long negotiations, he has yet to agree fresh terms.
Rodri has struggled to rediscover his best form this season. After returning from a long-term injury, he has suffered repeated setbacks, including a recent muscle issue that kept him out of City’s 2-1 win over Arsenal.
He remains sidelined but is expected to feature again before the campaign ends.
According to sources close to the situation, Mourinho will urge president Florentino Pérez to do “everything possible” to land the midfielder.
Rodri himself hinted in March that he would find it difficult to turn down a move to the Spanish giants.
Losing the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner would deal a heavy blow to Pep Guardiola’s plans.
City already face the departures of experienced stars Bernardo Silva and John Stones this summer, both of whom are set to leave.
This season, Rodri has made 20 Premier League appearances, playing 1,423 minutes. He boasts a 90.3% successful pass rate, has created 23 chances, and won 65.8% of his duels.
Meanwhile, City also face losing another midfielder. Tijjani Reijnders, who joined from AC Milan last summer, has started just one of the last 13 league games. He is in talks to leave after a disappointing debut season.
As Mourinho edges closer to his Real Madrid return, all signs point to a summer pursuit of Rodri. Whether City can resist remains the big question.
