Real Madrid target €50 million deal for Manchester City midfielder | OneFootball

Manchester City appear to be set for a major battle to retain the services of Rodri this summer, with the player firmly a target for Spanish giants Real Madrid.

Speculation surrounding the 29-year-old’s future has intensified in recent months, particularly as his current Manchester City contract edges closer towards its final 18 months, with no sign of extension talks at present.

While City will no doubt remain determined to tie down one of their most influential performers to fresh terms, the absence of a confirmed renewal has inevitably opened the door to interest from abroad.

Rodri’s importance to Guardiola’s system cannot be overstated, and even following a serious knee injury that sidelined him for much of the previous campaign, the Spain international has returned to reassert himself as the controlling presence at the base of midfield.

The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner’s composure, positional intelligence and leadership have made him indispensable at the Etihad Stadium – qualities that have understandably attracted attention from Europe’s elite, and clubs in his native Spain.

According to the information of Spanish journalist Ramón Álvarez de Mon, Real Madrid have highlighted Rodri as the midfielder they want to sign during the upcoming summer transfer window.

It is claimed that the side from the Spanish capital will assess the Manchester City midfielder’s fitness leading up to this summer’s FIFA World Cup, whilst also estimating that the player could cost around €50 million to bring to the Bernabeu.

The reported valuation is likely to raise eyebrows in Manchester, particularly given Rodri’s pedigree. As a central pillar of City’s domestic and European success, any proposal in that region would be expected to fall well short of the club’s internal assessment of his worth.

Interest from Real Madrid is far from surprising, given their long-standing admiration. The prospect of returning to his homeland, coupled with the allure of the Bernabéu, ensures the story could gather momentum as the summer transfer window approaches.

However, Manchester City are unlikely to entertain the idea of losing a player so central to Pep Guardiola’s plans without a firm fight, with the manager having previously underlined Rodri’s unique profile and importance to his long-term project.

With a major international tournament on the horizon and negotiations over a potential new deal yet to reach a public conclusion, Rodri’s situation is shaping up to be one of the defining transfer sagas of the summer.

Whether Real Madrid’s reported €50 million ambition materialises into a formal bid remains to be seen, but Manchester City supporters will hope their midfield anchor remains at the heart of the club’s ambitions for years to come.