‘Real Madrid backed to make Rodri swoop in ‘massive blow to Man City’
Manchester City have enjoyed a successful transfer window so far by acquiring the likes of France international Rayan Cherki and former AC Milan ace Tijjani Reijnders.
However, Pep Guardiola’s summer could take a significant turn for the worse, amid interest from Real Madrid in 2024 Ballon d’Or winner Rodri.
The Spain midfielder’s long-term injury proved detrimental to Guardiola’s men last term, as they slipped below their usual standards and finished third in the Premier League.
Rodri is working his way back to full fitness and made four appearances for Manchester City in this summer’s Club World Cup.
Real Madrid told Rodri can be a difference maker for them
Madrid suffered a major setback when they were hammered 4-0 by PSG in the Club World Cup semi-final on 9 July.
New Los Blancos boss Xabi Alonso is now tasked with beating fierce rivals Barcelona to La Liga glory, after Hansi Flick’s men won the Spanish top-flight title last term.
Meanwhile, according to The Sun on Wednesday, 23 July, Alonso’s side are readying a £100million bid for Rodri.
Speaking about Madrid’s interest in the 29-year-old live on talkSPORT [24 July], Dean Saunders said: “I think he’d improve Real Madrid. Massive blow for City if he leaves. But for Real Madrid, I think he’ll make a difference to them, he’s that good a player.”
Manchester City must not sell Rodri
Football Insider verdict
Manchester City already experienced how tough life without Rodri can be for the Etihad Stadium side when they finished a whopping 13 points behind North West rivals Liverpool in last season’s Premier League title race.
| Rodri stats | Premier League 2024/25 |
| Appearances | 3 |
| Starts | 1 |
| Minutes played | 73 |
Meanwhile, Arne Slot’s men have more than matched Guardiola’s side in the transfer market this summer by making notable additions such as Florian Wirtz and former Eintracht Frankfurt hotshot Hugo Ekitike.
After Alexander Isak told Newcastle he wants to explore a transfer away from the North East, the Reds could be poised to make another marquee addition.
Therefore, Guardiola’s men may face an uphill battle to fend off the Anfield side and claim their fifth Premier League title in six attempts.
Losing Rodri to Real Madrid would provide a major dent to Man City, who know all about his quality courtesy of the six Premier League titles and the Champions League trophy he has been instrumental towards.