Real Madrid midfield target leaves door open to summer transfer: ‘As I said before…’ | OneFootball

The FIFA World Cup final has two top midfield targets of Real Madrid going head-to-head against each other – Rodri and Enzo Fernandez.

While the former is Spain’s captain and has been one of their key pieces in midfield, the latter has slowly improved as the tournament progressed and scored a crucial equaliser against England in the semifinal.

Real Madrid have publicly ruled out a move for Chelsea’s Fernandez, but Rodri reportedly remains an option for the club as reported by certain outlets.

Rodri’s cryptic words

The Spanish national team captain has been actively talking to the media ahead of his side’s World Cup final clash against Argentina tomorrow night, and questions about his club-level future also joined the mix.

When asked about his situation with Manchester City and whether he was considering leaving the club in this summer or the coming transfer windows, the Spanish midfielder did not rule out anything.

Heart of Spain’s midfield. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

“Right now, as I said before the World Cup, thinking about this, I’ve got a contract with my club and it’s something I’ll want to sort out when it’s all over,” he said on his future.

“The challenge we’re facing is important enough that we can’t afford to think about this just yet. Raising my game will help me make a decision,” he added.

“Obviously, I’m happy with my performance, but we’re just a step away from glory now,” he concluded, via Diario AS.

Needless to say, Rodri’s response was very neutral and lukewarm for a player under contract and it is clear that he is keeping all doors open regarding his future.

While he is not assured that he will stay in Manchester, he did not close doors to a shift in scenery.

Real Madrid, needless to say, will be alert to the development given that he is on their long list of targets.

Should he win the World Cup, there may be more concrete interest from the Merengues given Rodri’s quality and leadership.

Indifferent at the moment

Perez has his doubts on Rodri’s arrival. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

While Rodri has indeed been extensively linked with Real Madrid in recent days, especially after Spain’s qualification to the final, word has it that Los Blancos have not changed their stance on him.

As matters stand, Real Madrid have not made any approach towards Rodri or his entourage and remain against signing him this summer for a plethora of reasons.

Several prominent figures in the administration believe that Rodri is the right profile for Real Madrid and are placing internal pressure on Florentino Perez, but the president continues to hesitate against the move owing to his fitness struggles, age and price tag.

Needless to say, any progress will only take place after the World Cup final, and it remains to be seen what stance Los Blancos adopt towards signing Rodri.