Real Madrid are set to make an offer for Manchester City midfielder Rodri, who has stated his intent of returning to the Spanish capital. The Spanish captain has made it clear that he wishes to join Real Madrid, a move that will surely generate plenty of excitement for a side looking to win titles again. With his contract expiring at the end of the season and Rodri reluctant to sign an extension with City, selling the former Ballon d’Or winner may seem like the most practical option to avoid losing him on a free transfer. City are expected to demand a fee exceeding the rumored €50 million bid that Real Madrid was planning to make.
Acquiring a player like Rodri provides them with more of a similar profile to Toni Kroos — a line-breaking midfielder and someone who can dictate play in the midfield. Rodri is one of the best defensive midfielders in the world and would help bridge Real Madrid’s gap in midfield. With Rodri, Real Madrid will find more opportunities to connect their midfield with their attack. Their backline, which was too easily exposed last season, will finally have the protection that it needs, making them a harder side to break down.
There have been questions raised as to whether Rodri to Real Madrid is the best move for them, particularly due to his age and recent injury record. President Florentino Perez first opposed the move, but since the World Cup, Rodri has stamped his authority in the middle of the park as the heart of a Spanish team that dominated and suffocated so many teams in possession. Rodri will be in a race against time to make it for the start of the season after undergoing back surgery. He is widely expected to miss City’s Community Shield clash with Arsenal, but if he joins Los Blancos, he could potentially feature in their opening game fixture against Espanyol.
