Many Manchester City players have been linked with Real Madrid over the years, but speculation has recently intensified about who could be the next big signing for the Spanish giants.
While Erling Haaland’s name has dominated the headlines, the Norwegian striker recently committed his long-term future to the Premier League champions.
Haaland, who has been one of the most lethal forwards in European football, signed a new contract with Manchester City that ties him to the club until 2034.
That deal makes his signature almost impossible for now, effectively ruling out a move to Spain in the near future.
Yet, even with Haaland off the table, Real Madrid have reportedly been encouraged to turn their attention to another name – arguably Man City most “valuable” player at the moment, midfielder Rodri.
Carvajal Endorses Rodri to Real Madrid
In a recent interview with Spanish radio outlet COPE, Real Madrid defender Dani Carvajal opened up about his admiration for Rodri, his Spanish national teammate.
The right-back, who has played a crucial role in Madrid’s success over the years, openly admitted that he would love to see Rodri wear the famous white shirt one day.
“I’ve already asked him… I hope that in the future he can be with us at the club because he’s a great player,” Carvajal said, leaving no doubt about his high regard for the Manchester City midfielder.
Carvajal’s words will only add fuel to existing speculation. Madrid have a history of chasing some of Europe’s top midfielders, from Luka Modrić and Toni Kroos to more recent arrivals like Eduardo Camavinga and Aurélien Tchouaméni.
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Rodri may be the next target, given his consistency, intelligence on the ball, and leadership qualities, fits the bill perfectly.
Rodri’s Importance to Manchester City
Rodri’s influence at Manchester City cannot be overstated. Since arriving from Atlético Madrid in 2019, he has grown into Pep Guardiola’s midfield anchor, dictating tempo, breaking up play, and scoring crucial goals.
His winning goal in the Champions League final against Inter Milan in 2023 cemented his place in City’s history books, and since then, he has continued to deliver at the highest level.
Many analysts and fans alike consider him the backbone of Guardiola’s system.
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When Rodri is unavailable, City often struggle to control matches in the same way, underlining his irreplaceable role. This is why the midfielder is frequently described as Man City most “valuable” player, even ahead of talented attacking players.
Meanwhile, Rodri’s current contract with City runs until 2027, and the club remain determined to keep him in Manchester for many more years.
