Who wants crippled Rodri? Real Madrid!

Real Madrid appears to be preparing another blockbuster move for the January transfer window — and the name on their radar is none other than Ballon d’Or winner Rodri.

According to The Daily Star and several other outlets, Los Blancos are weighing up a massive offer of around 150 million euros for Manchester City’s midfield anchor. The Spaniard, widely regarded as one of the world’s finest defensive midfielders and Pep Guardiola’s most trusted player, remains indispensable to City despite his cruciate ligament injury last year.

Reports suggest Rodri could become the next cornerstone of Xabi Alonso’s project in Madrid. However, City chairman Khaldoon Al-Mubarak is reportedly unwilling to let him go and plans to open talks over a new long-term deal — one that would include a substantial pay rise to reflect his importance. Still, there’s growing unease in Manchester that Rodri might be tempted by the allure of the Bernabeu, particularly if Guardiola decides to step away in the coming years.

Rodri’s current deal runs until 2027, and since joining from Atletico Madrid in 2019, he’s collected 11 major trophies, including last year’s historic treble. His absence during City’s title defense — caused by a severe knee injury — was seen by many as a decisive factor in their failure to retain the Premier League crown.

Man City win at Brentford thanks to Haaland, but lose Rodri again

A potential switch to Real Madrid would also come with added drama in the Spanish capital: Rodri’s past with Atletico could spark controversy similar to that surrounding Thibaut Courtois’s move across the city. Meanwhile, Xabi Alonso continues to reshape his midfield after Toni Kroos’s departure. The coach had pursued Martin Zubimendi in the summer, but the Basque midfielder ultimately chose Arsenal.

If Real Madrid were to land Rodri, it wouldn’t just be a major signing — it would shake the foundations of European football.