Major update on Real Madrid pursuit of Rodri as Man City asking price revealed

Real Madrid have placed Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri at the top of their wish list for a new defensive midfielder, with journalist Ramon Alvarez de Mon setting a €50 million (£43.9m) price tag. City are reportedly prepared to sell rather than risk losing the Ballon d’Or winner on a free transfer at the end of June 2027, while Rodri’s contract runs into next season.

The need for a midfield metronome has grown since Toni Kroos and Luka Modric left; Madrid failed to land Martin Zubimendi last summer and have struggled to replace that control. Rodri would provide a different option in the centre, but his recent seasons have been disrupted by injuries and inconsistent fitness.

Since suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury, the midfielder has missed large parts of a season and not consistently reached his previous levels, at times struggling to operate as the lone holding midfielder under Pep Guardiola.

Spain, Madrid

rodri, real madrid, manchester city, €50 million, ballon d'or, defensive midfielder, martin zubimendi, toni kroos, luka modric, acl injury