Manchester City remain confident that Rodri will agree to a contract extension, although they are preparing for potential offers from Real Madrid and other clubs interested in the midfielder.
Rodri’s current agreement runs until June next year, and he has yet to accept the new terms City offered some time ago. Discussions with the 30-year-old are continuing, with the club hopeful of reaching a positive outcome.
Real have changed their earlier position and are now interested in Rodri following his outstanding performances as captain during Spain’s successful World Cup campaign. After being named the tournament’s best player and receiving the Golden Ball, he is understood to have become the subject of a planned bid.
His dependable displays over the summer have also eased doubts about his physical condition after two seasons disrupted by injuries. However, he is expected to have surgery for a back problem after returning to England from North America.
In March, Rodri suggested that he would be open to joining Madrid. “My previous spell with Atlético [in 2018-19] would not stop me from representing Real Madrid,” he said. “Other players have followed that path before, even if they did not move directly between the clubs. It is difficult to reject an opportunity from one of the biggest teams in the world.”
Madrid’s pursuit of Rodri could encourage other leading European clubs to enter the race. Barcelona may consider an approach after Frenkie de Jong suffered a medial collateral ligament injury that will keep him sidelined for several months, while Paris Saint-Germain are also believed to be admirers.
Madrid might have to raise additional funds to complete a deal for Rodri, particularly if they secure Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig for a reported fee exceeding €100m (£85m). That situation could lead to Aurélien Tchouaméni being sold. The 26-year-old France international is believed to have accepted a new contract, although no official announcement has been made. His existing agreement lasts until the summer of 2028.
Manchester United continue to monitor Tchouaméni, but earlier in the transfer window they were uncertain whether they could afford Madrid’s reported asking price of approximately £70m.
United are also considering Tchouaméni’s teammate Eduardo Camavinga, who is expected to command a fee of between €50m and €60m.
What do you feel about this post?
Like
Love
Happy
Haha
Sad
