Report – The shirt number Rodri is likely to wear at Real Madrid once transfer is completed | OneFootball

Real Madrid may not yet have wrapped up a deal with Manchester City to sign Rodri, but it already feels like he is very close to wearing white next season.

It is very clear that the Spaniard is dreaming of moving to Los Blancos this transfer window, and Real Madrid have also started negotiations for the same which is said to be on track.

Now, it has already been revealed what jersey number the 30-year-old could wear should he move to the Santiago Bernabeu.

According to Alberto Pereiro of Radioestadio Noche, the Spain midfielder would, in all likelihood, wear the No. 16 shirt at Madrid.

Very confident of a transfer

The statement suggests there is growing confidence that Los Blancos will complete the signing, though Madrid fans should keep their emotions in check.

Rodri remains under contract with Manchester City, and the two clubs would still need to settle the financial terms of any operation.

Rodri is expected to join Real Madrid. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

Still, the No. 16 would carry a degree of logic. It is a number Rodri has previously worn during his career, and choosing it would allow him to maintain a familiar identity rather than immediately taking one of Real Madrid’s more symbolic midfield shirts.

He is currently wearing the same number for both Spain and Manchester City, and previously wore the number 14 when he played for Atletico Madrid.

Rodri would have a central role under Mourinho

The sporting plan matters much more than the number. Jose Mourinho is pushing strongly for Rodri because he sees him as the midfielder capable of controlling the rhythm of his new team.

Real Madrid already possess enormous physical power through Federico Valverde, Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni.

Rodri would add pausa to this group and control the midfield like Toni Kroos or Luka Modric in their prime.

The balance he could bring to this team would be massive for Madrid, and this could be a signing that pushes them closer to winning trophies.

Who previously wore No. 16 at Real Madrid?

The No. 16 shirt is currently assigned to Gonzalo Garcia, but with the Spaniard Fulham-bound, it is set to become vacant this summer.

Gonzalo Garcia wears #16 currently at Real Madrid. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Endrick wore the number when he joined Madrid in 2024, while Alvaro Odriozola, Luka Jovic and Borja Mayoral were among its previous owners.

Further back, James Rodriguez briefly used No. 16, while Mateo Kovacic wore it for two seasons and became one of its more successful recent occupants.

It is not one of the Bernabeu’s most iconic shirts, which could suit Rodri.

Rather than inheriting a number associated with one untouchable club legend, he would have space to give No. 16 a stronger identity of its own.

First, though, the transfer needs to get over the line, and the onus is now on Real Madrid to reach an agreement with Manchester City and bring the Spaniard back home.