Real Madrid Plan to Unsettle Man City With £100 Million Bid for Pep Guardiola’s Favourite

Real Madrid are reportedly preparing a staggering £100 million bid for Manchester City midfielder Rodri, according to sources.

New Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has identified the Spanish international as his top target following Real's disappointing Club World Cup semi-final defeat to PSG earlier this month.

While City manager Pep Guardiola is understandably reluctant to lose such a key player, Real Madrid believe a substantial offer could tempt the Premier League champions. Rodri's absence through injury for much of last season was a significant factor in City losing their Premier League title.

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The 29-year-old midfielder suffered major ACL and meniscus injuries in a 2-2 draw with Arsenal last season, sidelining him until the final week. He made a brief return during the Club World Cup but lasted only 37 minutes against Al Hilal before suffering a further setback.

This lingering uncertainty over his fitness might encourage Real Madrid to adopt a wait-and-see approach, especially with Rodri's contract running until 2027.

Waiting would allow Real Madrid to fully assess his recovery over the next 12 months. As his contract winds down, his price tag would likely decrease. However, Alonso is reportedly urging the Real Madrid hierarchy to make a move now, aware that City would likely offer Rodri a contract extension if he remains fit.

Real Madrid believe the former Atletico Madrid player, born in the Spanish capital, might be open to a return. Rodri joined City six years ago in a £62.8 million deal.

Alonso was reportedly shocked by his midfield's fragility in the defeat to PSG, particularly their inability to contain the likes of Vitinha, Joao Neves, and Fabian Ruiz.

This has fueled his desire to bolster his midfield options, with Rodri, the 2024 Ballon d'Or winner (despite missing the final three months of the year due to injury), seen as the ideal solution.

Guardiola has consistently praised Rodri, stating after a recent friendly against Juventus: “Everyone knows how important Rodri is. He is one of the best players in the world. When they're not in a team, they're missed.”

Manchester City have recently added midfielders Nico Gonzalez, Tijjani Reijnders, and Sverre Nypan to their ranks. However, it remains unclear whether they could adequately replace Rodri. While Guardiola seems unlikely to sanction a sale, Real Madrid are reportedly ready to test City's resolve in the final weeks of the transfer window.