Champions League, Real Madrid v Manchester City, Rodri back in focus for Florentino Pérez | OneFootball

Real Madrid versus Manchester City has become a modern European classic, and the last group meeting went City’s way. The round of 16 now lands with Rodri back in the spotlight for different reasons.

According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, Rodri tore the ACL in his right knee on 22 September 2024 against Arsenal and needed surgery, then watched the knockout tie from the stands. He returned in May 2025 at Bournemouth, but discomfort lingered, and in October Guardiola noted he would select him almost daily if fully fit.

Recent weeks have brought an upturn, albeit short of Ballon d’Or form, and it is unclear if, nearing 30, he can fully regain his peak. Even so, Florentino Pérez still sees him as the midfield architect many Madrid fans want.

Rodri is under contract to 2027, and Madrid hope to prise him for around 50 million. That would sit below a 75 million valuation, which peaked at 130 million after his Ballon d’Or.

Any move carries a clear caveat, the risk of recurrence after such an injury. The report cites a physiotherapist who puts the relapse risk about 20% higher in the early years when meniscal damage is also present. The Madrid against City tie will be a useful test that could shape whether interest becomes a concrete proposal.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo