Real Madrid Sets Sights on Rodri: A Million-Dollar Signing or a Strategic Wait?

Real Madrid is determined to strengthen its midfield with the arrival of Rodri, Manchester City's cornerstone. With the talented Spanish midfielder entering his final year of contract with the Citizens, the white club seeks to expedite the process to incorporate him into their ranks as soon as possible. Rodri's situation, who recently recovered from a significant knee injury, presents a strategic dilemma for the Madrid board.

There are two paths for Real Madrid: to launch a bid this summer or to wait until next season, when Rodri would be close to becoming a free agent. Both options have their pros and cons. Real Madrid is known for its ability to close last-minute deals, a tactic that has proven effective in the past. Examples like Ronaldo Nazário, Gareth Bale, Luka Modrić, or Cristiano Ronaldo, who arrived at the club in the final stretches of the transfer window, testify to Florentino Pérez's mastery in these negotiations. However, the failed attempt with Kylian Mbappé, for whom €180 million was offered a year before his release, shows that this strategy does not always guarantee success.

Bringing Rodri this summer would undoubtedly entail a three-figure expenditure (from one hundred million euros upwards). It would be a significant risk without full knowledge of the player's physical condition after his injury, despite signs of recovery. Nevertheless, this option could tempt Manchester City, who would have the opportunity to receive a substantial sum for a 29-year-old footballer who has undergone surgery.

On the other hand, waiting a season would reduce the transfer cost to zero, but it would involve the risk of other clubs getting ahead or Rodri's contractual situation changing. The uncertainty about the Ballon d'Or winner's physical state, after only three league matches played, adds a layer of complexity. Manchester City, for its part, signed Nico González during Rodri's absence and has Kovacic and Gündogan, although the latter, at 34, has not shown the same reliability in the pivot position. It would be surprising if Pep Guardiola facilitated the departure of such a vital player, unless an irresistible offer lands on his desk. The Rodri saga promises to be one of the summer's biggest transfer stories.