Real plot £120m move for Manchester City star | OneFootball

Real Madrid’s Ambition Tests Man City’s Resolve

Credit to the Daily Star for breaking this major transfer line. According to Jeremy Cross, “Real Madrid are plotting a stunning raid on Manchester City for Ballon d’Or winner Rodri,” with suggestions that a £130million bid could be incoming. That is not just opportunistic, it is strategic. Madrid smell vulnerability, and they are not wrong to.

Rodri’s Legacy Meets Madrid’s Pull

Rodri has become the heartbeat of Manchester City since arriving for £62m in 2019. “He has won 11 major trophies, including the Treble in 2023,” as the report rightly notes. Few midfielders in world football control a game like he does. His injury last season derailed City’s title defence, allowing Liverpool to snatch the Premier League crown. That absence was a reminder of just how irreplaceable he is.

City chairman Khaldoon Al-Mubarak is “determined to keep Rodri at the Etihad,” with contract talks planned. Yet there is a lingering concern internally that “Rodri could be tempted by a move to the Bernabeu – particularly if Guardiola decides to leave.”

And that is the crux. This is not just Madrid against City. It is Madrid against Father Time. Rodri is 29. This is likely his final window to return to La Liga and join the Spanish giants while still at his peak.

Bernabeu Dream vs Etihad Dynasty

Madrid boss Xabi Alonso reportedly wants a “midfield controller”. He chased Martin Zubimendi, but Rodri is another level entirely. Slotting Rodri into Madrid’s evolving engine room alongside Jude Bellingham would create one of the most dominant midfields in Europe.

Photo: IMAGO

But there is also history. The Daily Star highlighted how Atletico Madrid fans “made their feelings clear on Thibaut Courtois” when he moved across the divide. Rodri would face similar backlash. However, loyalty rarely stands in the way when Santiago Bernabeu comes calling.

What Happens If Guardiola Walks?

Pep has not confirmed his long-term future. If he departs, does Rodri see another project worth anchoring? Or does he follow the well-trodden path of Spanish talent returning to glory at home?

One line from the original report sums it up perfectly.

“£130million would give him exactly the kind of midfielder he is so keen to have – and would offer Rodri what is probably his last chance to play for one of Spain’s big two.”

City may resist. Madrid may insist. Rodri will decide.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Manchester City supporter’s perspective, this news is unsettling but not surprising. Madrid have been circling for years, and Rodri is arguably the one player City cannot afford to lose. Losing Erling Haaland would hurt. Losing Phil Foden would change the dynamic. Losing Rodri would dismantle the entire structure.

Every City fan knows the title race collapsed last season because Rodri was unavailable. There is no like-for-like replacement on the planet. Declan Rice? Brilliant, but different. Joshua Kimmich? Too late in his career. An impossible task.

If Pep Guardiola stays, most City fans will believe Rodri stays with him. But if Pep walks, panic sets in. Suddenly Madrid’s project under Xabi Alonso becomes attractive. Playing alongside Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Jr and Kylian Mbappé is hard to refuse.

If Khaldoon wants to prove City are not a selling club, this is the test. Rodri should be put on wages that reflect his true value, because replacing him would cost far more than £130m.

City fans will accept bids for squad players. They will even tolerate stars moving on. But not Rodri. Losing him would feel like losing the soul of the team.