Real Madrid have reportedly made a stunning approach to sign Manchester City’s midfield anchor Rodri, putting forward an audacious offer worth €40 million (£35 million) along with two high-profile players — Eduardo Camavinga and Rodrygo.
According to reports from Spanish outlet Fichajes, Los Blancos are going all out to land the Spain international this summer, despite City’s firm stance that Rodri is untouchable.
Rodri, widely regarded as one of the best holding midfielders in the world, was sorely missed by Pep Guardiola’s side last season. A serious ACL injury sidelined him from late September, forcing him to miss the remainder of the campaign. In his absence, City struggled to dominate games with their usual intensity, finishing third in the Premier League — 13 points adrift of champions Liverpool — and ending the season trophyless.
Despite bolstering the squad with signings like Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Ait Nouri, Rayan Cherki, Sverre Nypan, and Marcus Bettinelli this summer, Guardiola has made it clear he wants to trim his squad. However, Rodri remains one player the City boss has no intention of losing, considering him vital to the team’s identity and rhythm.
Nevertheless, Real Madrid appear undeterred. The report claims that both club president Florentino Pérez and newly-appointed manager Xabi Alonso are fully aligned in their admiration for Rodri. Alonso, in particular, is said to be eager to bring in a midfielder who can control the tempo — a role Rodri has mastered under Guardiola.
To tempt City, Madrid are reportedly willing to part with two key assets — rising midfield star Camavinga and Brazilian forward Rodrygo — in addition to a cash offer. But even with such a tempting package, sources close to City suggest the club has no interest in selling a player they consider a cornerstone of their success.
The proposal underlines Madrid’s ambition and willingness to shake up their squad in pursuit of a player they believe can be the heartbeat of their midfield for years to come. Whether that will be enough to move the needle at the Etihad remains to be seen.
