Real Madrid have identified Manchester City’s Rodri Hernandez as a potential summer transfer target, though a deal is not yet definitive, according to reports emerging from Spain. The timing of a possible move has been influenced by the recent departure of Pep Guardiola from Manchester City.
Initial reports suggested that Rodri was high on Real Madrid’s list of priorities, with incoming manager Jose Mourinho reportedly favouring the signing. A separate report also indicated that the player himself was receptive to a move to the Santiago Bernabéu. However, information from RadioMarca’s Matteo Moretto suggests the situation is more nuanced.
Moretto reports that a contract extension for Rodri, whose current deal expires next year, was largely agreed before Guardiola announced his exit. The Spain international has since paused on signing the new contract, seeking clarity on his future ahead of the upcoming World Cup. Manchester City are actively attempting to secure Rodri’s long-term commitment with a new agreement.
Rodri has previously expressed a desire to return to Spain at some point in his career, and the prospect of joining Real Madrid is appealing. While Los Blancos have made initial contact with his representatives, they have yet to submit a formal offer. Moretto suggests that a definitive move from Real Madrid would significantly increase the likelihood of a transfer.
Complicating matters for Real Madrid is the potential for club elections, the outcome of which will be known on Sunday. Should elections proceed, the process is expected to take at least two weeks, delaying the appointment of a new manager – widely anticipated to be Jose Mourinho if current president Florentino Perez is re-elected. Former player Alvaro Arbeloa confirmed his departure from the club on Friday, adding to the period of transition at the Bernabéu. The delay in resolving the managerial position could hinder Real Madrid’s ability to move quickly in the transfer market.
Rodri has been a key figure in Manchester City’s midfield since joining from Atletico Madrid in 2019, providing defensive stability and dictating play. He has won multiple Premier League titles and the Champions League with City, establishing himself as one of the best defensive midfielders in the world. A move to Real Madrid would likely see him slot directly into the starting eleven, bolstering their midfield options.
