Rodri emerges as Real Madrid's priority transfer target for 2025 with Man City star stalling on contract extension at Etihad Stadium

According to Spanish outletAS, Real Madrid are confident of wrapping up a deal for Bayern Munich's Alphonso Davies already for next summer, and are now setting their sights on Rodri as part of their long-term strategic planning. With the retirement of Toni Kroos, a player whose influence on Madrid’s midfield has been unparalleled, the club is seeking a player of similar calibre to fill the void. Rodri, who is considered one of the best in his position, has emerged as a "priority transfer target" to take on this role.

At 28 years old, Rodri is at the peak of his powers, and by the time the 2025 transfer window opens, he will be 29 - the same age Zinedine Zidane was when he joined Real Madrid in 2001. His current contract with City runs until 2027, but the club has been eager to secure his future by offering him a new deal. However, the Spanish midfielder has yet to commit to an extension, fuelling rumours of a potential departure. His agent, Pablo Barquero, who also represents Real Madrid legend Raúl Gonzalez, has been in communication with City regarding a renewal, but no agreement has been reached so far. City are reportedly willing to place Rodri among the club's highest earners, potentially matching the salary of star striker Erling Haaland but the allure of returning to Madrid, his hometown, and playing a crucial role in Real Madrid’s sporting project is something that could tempt Rodri to make the move.

Real Madrid are aware that Rodri will either renew with City or join them, hence the club will not be drawn into a bidding war. Madrid plans to wait until the end of the current season before making any decisive moves. With only two years remaining on his contract by that time, and with the possibility of Pep Guardiola leaving Manchester City in 2025, Rodri might see this as the perfect moment to embark on a new chapter in his career. However, Los Blancos might have to shell out a hefty fee of over €100 million (£85m/$111m), to lure him to the Santiago Bernabeu or a similar amount that they paid to get the services of Jude Bellingham.

Rodri would want the No. 16 at Real Madrid which is temporarily worn by Endrick. However, the Brazilian teenager could get the No. 9 shirt from Kylian Mbappe, who in turn might pick up the No.10 after Luka Modric leaves the club next summer. This would leave the number 16 available for Rodri, should he make the move to Madrid. Moreover, the signing would also help Real Madrid swell the number of Spaniards in the squad which has gone down after losing Nacho Fernandez and Joselu to the Middle East.