Real Madrid set to snub Rodri transfer approach despite public come-get-me plea | OneFootball

Manchester City may not be subject to a transfer approach from Real Madrid for Rodri after all this summer, despite a remarkable turn of events during the March international break.

The 29-year-old surprised many supporters of the Etihad side during the opening week of the March international break by publicly opening the door to the idea of a sensational switch to Real Madrid during the upcoming summer market.

Quizzed by Spanish media on whether his history as an Atletico Madrid player would have any impact on a decision to join Real Madrid, if approached by Los Blancos, Rodri denied that to be a factor whilst pointing towards the need for talks with Manchester City officials.

“I have one year left on my Manchester City contract,” Rodri said. “At some point, we’ll have to sit down and talk.

“Even though I’ve played for Atleti (Atletico Madrid), (Real) Madrid isn’t a closed door for me – you can’t turn your back on the best clubs. Playing at the Bernabéu is always incredible, it’s very intimidating.”

Rodri continued, “I hadn’t planned to play outside of Spain but Manchester City came up (as an option in 2019). I would like to return to the Spanish league, I still follow it.

“The Premier (League) is my weakness but it is also a very demanding league. For now, I am very happy there.”

Rodri is interested in Real Madrid, but are Real Madrid interested in Rodri?

But despite consistent media reports pointing towards the inevitability of Real Madrid interest in the Ballon d’Or winner of 2024, follow-up reporting in light of Rodri’s latest comments concerning the Bernabeu has provided a fresh twist in the ever-developing tale.

According to AS’ Jose Felix Diaz, ‘everything points’ towards Rodri and Real Madrid ‘remaining apart’ from one another, despite the Manchester City’s recent public statement concerning a willingness to make a switch to the Bernabeu.

It is explained that while Real Madrid are indeed looking to sign a new midfielder during the upcoming summer market to improve upon their options, the search is ‘not focused’ on the Manchester City star.

While the 29-year-old’s physical attributes and footballing abilities are described as ‘undeniable’, Los Blancos officials are said to have ‘other targets’ for the position, and are currently awaiting the outcome of Alvaro Arbeloa’s squad across competitions this season.

What next in the Rodri, Real Madrid, and Man City saga?

For now, despite all of the talk surrounding Rodri and the Spanish capital, the aims of sporting director Hugo Viana and his Manchester City colleagues will be centred around the intention to extend their star midfielder’s contract beyond 2027.

It is understood that contract talks for the former Villarreal and Atletico Madrid man are a priority within the club, alongside Phil Foden’s contractual picture – with the England international also facing a contract expiry in the summer of 2027.

Of the two names, Foden is far less likely to entertain the possibility of an exit from Manchester City given his close connections to the football club, and having been a player of the Sky Blue side since his early childhood.

But should City require an immediate review of their defensive midfield ranks, it remains to be seen whether Nico Gonzalez will be viewed internally as the man to succeed Rodri, or whether external recruitment will be deemed necessary.