Report: Man City and Liverpool midfielders being targeted by La Liga giants | OneFootball

Real Madrid Accelerate Rodri Pursuit as Szoboszlai Link Signals Midfield Rebuild

Real Madrid are intensifying their pursuit of Manchester City midfielder Rodri as part of a wider midfield rebuild that could also bring Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai into focus, according to sources close to the situation.

With senior figures inside the Santiago Bernabéu increasingly concerned about leadership gaps and long-term stability, recruitment plans are now being shaped around experience, control, and authority in central areas. A recent report from TEAMtalk, published by Graeme Bailey, detailed how Rodri has emerged as a priority target, with Madrid ready to test City’s resolve in the coming months.

While negotiations remain at an early stage, the direction of travel is clear: Real Madrid are preparing for a major reshaping of their core.

Photo: IMAGO

Real Madrid Leadership Concerns Drive Recruitment Strategy

Real Madrid’s recent squad evolution has left key decision-makers searching for renewed balance and authority in the dressing room.

The departures of long-serving leaders over recent seasons have created a void that has yet to be fully addressed. Internally, there is recognition that technical quality alone is no longer sufficient at elite level. The club want players capable of setting standards, controlling high-pressure matches, and guiding younger teammates.

Rodri fits that profile almost perfectly. Since joining Manchester City in 2019, he has established himself as one of Europe’s most reliable holding midfielders, combining positional intelligence with tactical discipline and composure under pressure.

Madrid view him not only as a footballing asset, but as a potential organisational cornerstone. Sources indicate that his influence, consistency, and experience at the highest level are major factors behind the club’s growing interest.

With a possible managerial transition on the horizon, hierarchy figures believe that reinforcing the midfield with a commanding presence is essential to ensuring continuity.

Rodri Contract Situation Fuels Transfer Speculation

Rodri’s contractual status has become central to Madrid’s strategy.

The Spain international is approaching the final phase of his current deal at Manchester City, with renewal talks yet to reach a decisive conclusion. After recovering from knee surgery in 2024, both parties agreed to postpone negotiations, leaving uncertainty surrounding his long-term future.

This delay has not gone unnoticed in Madrid. Recruitment staff believe that a narrowing contract window could open the door to serious discussions, particularly if City face internal changes in the post-Guardiola era.

Insiders suggest that Rodri has previously expressed admiration for Real Madrid and has not ruled out returning to his hometown later in his career. While City remain keen to retain him, the absence of a completed extension has strengthened Madrid’s belief that a deal could be achievable.

Financial considerations will be significant, but Madrid are prepared to structure an offer that reflects Rodri’s status as one of Europe’s premier midfielders.

Szoboszlai Monitoring Reflects Broader Midfield Planning

Alongside their pursuit of Rodri, Real Madrid continue to monitor Dominik Szoboszlai’s situation at Liverpool.

The Hungarian midfielder has developed into a key figure at Anfield, offering creativity, energy, and attacking threat from midfield. However, contract discussions and long-term planning at Liverpool have created external interest, with Madrid among the clubs maintaining close observation.

Sources indicate that Madrid see Szoboszlai as a complementary profile rather than a direct alternative to Rodri. While Rodri represents control and defensive structure, Szoboszlai offers verticality, chance creation, and goal threat.

Recruitment officials are exploring multiple scenarios, assessing how different combinations could shape the next generation of Madrid’s midfield. The club’s data and scouting departments remain active in tracking Szoboszlai’s performances, physical metrics, and tactical adaptability.

Although no formal approach has been made, his name remains prominent within internal discussions.

Strategic Reset Shapes Summer Transfer Priorities

Real Madrid’s interest in Rodri and Szoboszlai reflects a wider strategic reset underway at the Bernabéu.

Rather than short-term solutions, the club is prioritising players who can anchor the squad for several seasons. The emphasis is on durability, leadership, and adaptability in both domestic and European competition.

Sources close to Madrid describe this approach as “foundational recruitment”, focused on establishing a core around which future signings can be integrated. The midfield is viewed as the central pillar of that project.

If Rodri becomes available, Madrid are expected to act decisively. His arrival would signal a major statement of intent and potentially reshape the competitive balance at the top of European football.

Meanwhile, continued monitoring of Szoboszlai demonstrates Madrid’s commitment to remaining flexible and opportunistic in the market.

As the summer window approaches, negotiations, contract talks, and managerial developments across Europe are likely to determine how far Madrid’s ambitions can be realised.

For now, the club’s intentions are unmistakable: rebuild the midfield, restore leadership, and secure long-term stability at the highest level.