Real Madrid have no intention of signing Rodri despite continuous links | OneFootball

Real Madrid have no intention of pursuing a move for Manchester City midfielder Rodri this summer, according to The Athletic.

The 30-year-old is reportedly open to a move to Los Blancos, but it appears the Madrid club is not interested in him. They are pursuing other targets in the market.

Rodri had a subdued club campaign after returning from a long-term injury, but he has found his groove at the 2026 World Cup, anchoring Spain’s midfield.

The former Villarreal and Atletico Madrid star bossed the centre of the park against France, dominating Manu Kone, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Adrien Rabiot with ease.

He won more duels than the trio, and his superior passing ability was on display.

Former Man City boss Pep Guardiola had predicted that Rodri would be back to his best at the World Cup, and his vision is coming to fruition.

He looks in stellar form ahead of the final against Argentina, and Real Madrid bosses will likely be watching. However, they will not make a move for him.

That stance feels surprising given the glaring hole in Real Madrid’s squad.

Since Toni Kroos retired, Los Blancos have lacked a genuine deep-lying playmaker capable of dictating the tempo, controlling possession under pressure and turning defence into attack with one pass.

Federico Valverde, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Eduardo Camavinga do not have it in them.

Rodri is arguably the finest player in the world in that role when fully fit, bringing leadership, intelligence and tactical discipline alongside his elite distribution.

He still has several years at the highest level and could immediately elevate Madrid’s midfield.

Their reported interest in Michael Olise is understandable given his attacking quality, but it is not a pressing need.

Madrid already boast an abundance of creative forwards and wide players, whereas a controller in the mould of Kroos has been sorely missing.

If Rodri is genuinely available, passing up the opportunity could prove a costly mistake.