Three reasons why Real Madrid have to sign Manchester City heavyweight in 2026 | OneFootball

Real Madrid’s midfield is rich in talent and depth, but there is one specific type of player they still do not have – a complete defensive midfielder who can dominate both sides of the pitch.

As the club plans its next evolution beyond Luka Modric and Toni Kroos, one name stands out as the ideal anchor for the future: Rodri.

The Manchester City midfielder has become one of the most complete players in the world – calm under pressure, physically commanding, tactically sharp, and technically flawless.

By 2026, the timing might finally align for Real Madrid to bring him home to Spain. Here’s why signing Rodri then is not just an option, it is a must.

The lack of a midfield conductor

Since Toni Kroos’ retirement in 2024, Real Madrid have lacked a conductor in midfield, a player who can act as the conduit between the defence and attack, who can orchestrate play with his distribution and vision.

Federico Valverde adds drive and energy, Aurelien Tchouameni brings defensive instincts, while Jude Bellingham offers great attacking threat.

But what they are missing is a true connector – a player who can receive the ball deep, glide past the first line of pressure, and carry it confidently into attacking zones. That’s where Rodri excels.

The Spaniard’s ability to carry the ball out of defence, control the rhythm, and dictate tempo makes him invaluable. For Manchester City, he is not just a shield in front of the backline – he is the key piece that can turn defence into attack in seconds.

Rodri combines technical grace with strength and positional intelligence. He can control high-intensity games in a way few others can.

Contract situation

The missing piece for Madrid? (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Rodri’s current deal with Manchester City runs until 2027, which means that in 2026, he’ll be entering the final year of his contract. That’s when negotiations become interesting.

For Manchester City, it will be a delicate decision – either extend him or risk losing leverage in a transfer. For Real Madrid, it’s a perfect opening.

Clubs rarely want to lose their midfield general for free, and Real Madrid have shown time and again that they know how to strike when the timing and price align.

Financially, it makes sense. Real Madrid could negotiate a lower fee than Rodri’s peak value while still landing a player entering his prime at age 30 – experienced, battle-tested, and ready to lead.

Tailor-made for Xabi Alonso’s system

Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso’s coaching philosophy, seen during his breakthrough season at Bayer Leverkusen, thrives on defensive midfielders who can both protect and progress play.

At Leverkusen, Granit Xhaka played that key role, acting as a stabilising pivot while still contributing going forward – four goals in a Bundesliga-winning season that yielded 90 points.

Not only that, but Xhaka was the catalyst for Alonso’s team when in possession, spraying forward passes to set his team up for attacks.

Rodri, in essence, would be the evolved version of that: bigger, smarter, more dynamic, and with Champions League-winning experience.

Under Alonso, he could become the heartbeat of a new Real Madrid era – a leader who dictates play, breaks lines, and sets the tone for the team.