Real Madrid cool interest in Premier League midfielder until the World Cup | OneFootball

At one point not too long ago, Rodri was Real Madrid’s top midfield target for the upcoming summer transfer window.

The Manchester City star, often considered one of the best players in his position when fit, was after all seen to be the exact profile Los Blancos needed in terms of quality, experience and leadership.

Since then, however, a lot has changed and the club have begun scouting alternative options as well. His name remains in the loop but has moved out of the spotlight.

Decision deferred

As reported in a recent update by Ramon Alvarez de Mon, the UEFA Champions League knockout stage game has recently dampened Real Madrid’s interest in Rodri temporarily.

One possible reason may be the fact that the team comfortably cruised into the quarterfinal with a stable showing in midfield, but the bigger reason is perhaps that they did so against Manchester City with Rodri himself starting and playing a big part in both games.

Real Madrid will decide after the World Cup. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Los Blancos indeed have not written him off and do still believe that a new midfielder is needed, however, they have deferred their decision over his incorporation until after the FIFA World Cup.

The premier international event, at this point, will be critical in deciding Real Madrid’s decision over Rodri with Enzo Fernande and Adam Wharton arising as possible alternatives.

So far this season, the 29-year-old Manchester City star has started 14 league games for his club and has one goal to show. He averages 1.3 key passes and 90% pass completion per game and has created two big chances in the event.

He was, in fact, one of his team’s better players against Real Madrid over two legs when they recently faced off with three key passes over the two legs.