Xabi Alonso, recently installed as Real Madrid manager, has reportedly urged club leadership to prioritize a midfield signing, placing Rodri firmly atop his wishlist as Los Blancos prepare for life after Toni Kroos. Alonso views Rodri as the ideal anchor around whom Madrid can build, bringing both title-winning pedigree and elite defensive qualities.

Club president Florentino Pérez is said to be intrigued by the prospect, but cautious with Madrid’s transfer strategy, particularly when it comes to players approaching the latter stages of their prime.

While some within the club hierarchy have been wary about splashing a huge sum on a soon-to-be 30-year-old, Rodri’s consistent excellence and big-game experience continue to keep him in Madrid’s crosshairs.

Manchester City Set Transfer Terms

Any potential deal for Rodri figures to be among this summer’s most expensive, with Manchester City setting a significant valuation for their midfield general. While reports vary, the suggested transfer limit needed to bring Rodri to the Santiago Bernabéu hovers in the region of €100-130 million. Sources indicate that a move is only possible if Madrid commit to a major economic effort—something the club might reserve for players of Ballon d’Or stature.

Rodri is currently under contract at City until 2027, and the Premier League team is keen to extend his stay even further, considering him irreplaceable in Pep Guardiola’s system.

Notably, City have little incentive to sell: Rodri remains happy and highly valued in Manchester, and the club would be extremely reluctant to strengthen a potential Champions League rival. As such, the only plausible scenario for Madrid is a transfer fee that City can't ignore and Rodri himself pushing for a return to Spain.

Rodri Open to La Liga Return but Talks Remain Delicate

Despite his contentment at City, Rodri has dropped hints suggesting he would consider a move back to Spain—specifically to Real Madrid—if the circumstances align. He’s described the idea of playing for Madrid as an “honour,” with his camp reportedly receptive to interest, especially given Madrid’s ambition to assemble a new powerhouse around star additions like Kylian Mbappé.

However, there are complicating factors. Rodri’s Atlético Madrid background adds a layer of sensitivity to any Madrid switch, and reports suggest some inside Real Madrid still debate whether investing heavily in a player nearing 30 aligns with the club’s long-term philosophy. Nonetheless, Alonso’s desire for “a new midfielder” keeps the door ajar for a Galáctico-style statement.

For now, Madrid’s interest in Rodri signals their intent to address midfield depth with a world-class addition. Despite the complexities, if a deal is to be done, it will require significant negotiation, flexibility on both sides—and perhaps, above all, a green light from the player himself.