Real Madrid are eyeing a Premier League star as a replacement for Toni Kroos and could engineer a stunning swap deal to make it happen.
🚨 Real Madrid Summer Shake-Up: Rodrygo’s Future in the Balance Amid Manchester City Interest
Real Madrid have significantly bolstered their squad ahead of the 2025–26 season, adding marquee names including Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, Franco Mastantuono, and Álvaro Carreras. These arrivals mark a clear intent from Xabi Alonso to refresh his team and prepare for a title defense both in Spain and Europe.
However, the flipside of this rebuild involves trimming the squad — and Rodrygo Goes appears to be one of the most high-profile names at risk of leaving the Bernabéu.
🔄 Rodrygo Linked with Exit
Rodrygo’s future has become increasingly uncertain, especially with increased competition for places in Madrid’s attacking setup. Despite being under contract until 2028, the Brazilian forward is reportedly weighing his role under Alonso, and Real Madrid are open to a potential sale — but only for the right offer.
Although Liverpool and Arsenal have shown strong interest in recent weeks, one of those suitors has now withdrawn from the race, clearing the way for other clubs to make their move.
👀 Manchester City Monitoring the Situation
One club still firmly in the picture is Manchester City. Pep Guardiola is believed to be monitoring Rodrygo closely, with a possible transfer being lined up ahead of the 2025–26 season. While City have already invested heavily this summer, planning is underway for another transition — particularly in light of Jack Grealish’s expected departure from the Etihad.
Rodrygo, with his versatility across the front three and big-game pedigree, is viewed as a natural successor to Grealish in Guardiola’s evolving system. City are not expected to rush into a bid, but they remain well-positioned should the opportunity arise.
🧩 What Happens Next?
- Real Madrid are open to selling Rodrygo if he signals a desire to leave.
- A deal would likely require a fee north of €100 million, with Madrid expecting full market value for a 24-year-old in his prime.
- Rodrygo has not publicly expressed a wish to depart, but his role in Alonso’s plans could determine whether a move materializes before the window closes — or is revisited next summer.
As it stands, Manchester City are one to watch in the Rodrygo saga, especially if Guardiola accelerates his post-Grealish plans.
Stay tuned — this one is far from over.
🚨 Rodrygo–Rodri Swap Deal? Real Madrid Eye City Midfield Star Amid Rodrygo Exit Talk
A sensational swap deal could be on the cards this summer, with Real Madrid reportedly interested in Manchester City midfielder Rodri, as the Spanish giants weigh up replacements for Toni Kroos, who retired last season.
According to AS, Madrid are “closely monitoring” Rodri’s situation, viewing the City star as the ideal successor to Kroos in their midfield engine room. With Rodrygo’s future up in the air, the possibility of a high-profile swap deal involving both Spanish heavyweights has emerged.
🔁 Rodrygo Out, Rodri In?
Madrid are prepared to part ways with Rodrygo if he pushes for an exit — and with City boss Pep Guardiola keen on adding Rodrygo as a long-term replacement for Jack Grealish, both clubs could be drawn to a mutually beneficial solution.
Key factors:
- Rodrygo’s value: Estimated between £69m–£87m (€80m–€100m).
- Rodri’s contract: Runs until 2027, but no renewal talks have progressed, adding intrigue to the speculation.
- Madrid’s financial position: The club reportedly has the resources to make another major signing, especially if Rodrygo is sold.
🧠 Strategic Fit for Both Sides
- Rodri to Madrid: Offers Xabi Alonso a world-class, proven midfield anchor to replace Kroos. Rodri’s passing, positioning, and control of tempo make him an ideal fit for Madrid’s evolving style.
- Rodrygo to City: Gives Guardiola a technically gifted, tactically intelligent attacker who can play across the front line. Rodrygo’s Champions League pedigree and versatility would suit City’s high-octane system.
⚠️ Realistic? Or Just Rumours?
While a direct swap deal of this magnitude is rare, the stars could align:
- Madrid need an elite midfielder.
- City may be willing to part with Rodri only for a top attacking talent.
- Both players are valued similarly in the market.
- No renewal yet for Rodri; Rodrygo’s status is uncertain.
This developing story adds a dramatic twist to the summer window. If negotiations progress, we could see one of the boldest trade deals in recent football history.
🚨 Rodri Tops Real Madrid’s Midfield Wishlist — Zidane Comparisons Fuel Ambitious Pursuit
Real Madrid are reportedly eyeing a blockbuster move for Manchester City midfielder Rodri as a long-term replacement for the recently retired Toni Kroos, with AS drawing parallels between Rodri’s potential arrival and that of Zinedine Zidane, who joined Madrid at age 29 — the same age as Rodri now.
🏆 Rodri: A Modern-Day Midfield Maestro
Rodri is arguably the best holding midfielder in world football. Since joining City from Atlético Madrid in 2019, he’s become the heartbeat of Pep Guardiola’s system:
- 🏟 265 appearances across all competitions
- 🏆 4x Premier League titles, 1x Champions League
- 🥇 2024 Ballon d’Or winner — ahead of Vinícius Jr and Jude Bellingham
- 📈 Recovered from a serious knee injury to lead City’s title charge once again
His Ballon d’Or win only amplifies his value — and Real Madrid’s belief that he could anchor their midfield for years, just as Kroos did.
🔍 Alternative Options to Rodri
While Rodri is the primary target, Madrid are also monitoring several other high-profile midfielders, though each comes with serious challenges:
🇮🇹 Nicolò Barella (Inter Milan)
- Key figure in Simone Inzaghi’s system
- Contracted until 2029
- Inter are highly reluctant to sell
- Estimated fee: €80m+
🇦🇷 Enzo Fernández (Chelsea)
- Signed for €121m in January 2023
- Integral to Chelsea’s rebuild
- Has a contract until 2032
- Valuation: Likely exceeds €100m
- AS labels a deal “highly unlikely”
🇦🇷 Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool)
- Hugely important under Arne Slot
- Intelligent, press-resistant, and technically sound
- Contracted until 2028
- Would require a “three-figure” sum (€100m+)
🔮 What Happens Next?
Madrid’s priority remains Rodri, but the club is realistic about the complexity of signing a player so vital to Guardiola’s setup. A potential swap deal involving Rodrygo has been floated but remains speculative for now.
What’s clear is:
- Madrid want a world-class, peak-age midfielder to complete their evolution
- Rodri fits that bill perfectly — and Zidane-like expectations have now been attached
- Alternatives exist, but all come with financial and contractual roadblocks
Florentino Pérez and Xabi Alonso face a massive decision as they enter life after Kroos. Rodri could be the centerpiece of a new Galáctico core — if City are willing to listen.
