Sources: Real Madrid set sights on landing ‘dream signing’ from Man City
Real Madrid are desperate to sign Rodri in the summer but will face difficulties in convincing Man City to allow him to leave as they aim to tie him down to a new contract.
Rodri has been one of the best midfielders in the world over the last few years at Man City, but has been forced to deal with various injury concerns in recent times.
The Spain international is now in his seventh season at the Etihad Stadium, but has only made nine Premier League appearances so far this term due to a hamstring injury.
Football Insider recently revealed that Man City are planning to sign a long-term Rodri replacement soon, amid concerns about his recent injury history.
He is still a key part of their future plans, but Real Madrid are eager to coax him back to the Spanish capital this summer, as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast.
Madrid see Rodri as a ‘dream’ signing amid continued links
Sources told Football Insider last summer that City were concerned about Rodri’s future amid interest from Los Blancos, with contract talks planned before his deal expires in 2027.
He has struggled to make his mark on Pep Guardiola‘s side over the last 18 months, but Madrid are still very keen on signing him as he reaches the prime of his career at 29-years-old.
Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, I explained: “That speculation with Rodri and Real Madrid is probably never going to go away.
“He’s a constant link. He would be a dream signing for Real. They’ve obviously had their issues in midfield since the departures of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric. They’ve not really filled those voids.
“I expect that Rodri would be the ideal signing for them, but Manchester City don’t want to lose him. He’s under contract until 2027.
“He’s had his injury problems this season, which is why Pep Guardiola has been a bit careful with him and not played him as often as he normally would, but he will play a key role for City in the second half of this season.“
City plan to keep Nathan Ake this month amid defensive injury issues
Rodri has returned to the City fold in recent weeks as he builds up his fitness once more, with his sumptuous strike against Exeter City in the FA Cup proving the quality he possesses.
Guardiola was forced to start returning loanee Max Alleyne in that cup match, while Ake started at left-back, with Josko Gvardiol, John Stones and Ruben Dias all currently sidelined.
Football Insider previously revealed that City were planning to accept an offer for Ake in the January window, amid interest in his services from Everton and West Ham.
Their recent injury concerns have quashed those plans, however, with City now planning to keep Ake for the remainder of the campaign before a potential exit in the summer window.