Madrid Step Back From Rodri Pursuit
Real Madrid have reportedly scaled back their pursuit of Manchester City midfielder Rodri.
The Spain international has been linked with a move to the Santiago Bernabéu for several months and was viewed by some as an ideal candidate to strengthen Madrid’s midfield following a period of transition in the center of the pitch.
However, according to the Athletic, the club no longer considers the 29-year-old a priority target.
Madrid’s decision is understood to be influenced by several factors, including Rodri’s age, contract situation, and recent injury record.
The midfielder remains under contract with Manchester City until 2027, meaning any potential transfer would likely require a substantial fee.
The club is also believed to have reservations following the serious knee injury that sidelined Rodri for a significant period during the 2024-25 season.
Rodri’s Legacy at Manchester City
Despite those concerns, Rodri remains one of the most highly regarded midfielders in world football.
Since joining City from Atletico Madrid in 2019, he has become the cornerstone of former City manager Pep Guardiola, helping the club secure multiple Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League.
His winning goal in the 2023 Champions League final against Inter Milan further cemented his status as one of the game’s elite midfielders.
Perez Focuses on a Younger Generation
That approach has already seen the club invest heavily in Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, Aurelien Tchouameni, Arda Guler, Endrick, and Franco Mastantuono.
Attention has now reportedly shifted towards Paris Saint-Germain midfielders Vitinha and Joao Neves, two players viewed as among the most talented in Europe in their respective age groups.
PSG Stars Become Madrid Targets
Neves, 21, has rapidly established himself as one of Europe’s most promising midfielders, while Vitinha has developed into a key figure for both PSG and Portugal through his technical quality and ability to dictate play.
Any move for either player would be complicated, however. PSG are understood to regard both midfielders as central to their long-term project and have shown no willingness to entertain offers.