Watch out for Manchester City: Real Madrid set their sights on lynchpin as star addition for next summer

Manchester City have generally operated on the policy that if their players want to leave, they will be allowed to do so. Real Madrid seemed to be trying to get rid of their best player.

Madrid outlet AS Diary they stated that Rodri Hernandez he will be the first target of Los Blancos for the summer of 2025. Rodri has a contract until 2027, and the head of Recruitment Juni Calafat and Carlo Ancelotti dreamed of bringing the star of Spain. So far Manchester City have failed to talk Rodri into a contract renewal, and with the exit of Toni Kroos, Los Blancos lack a deeper controlling presence.

Rodri is tempted by the offer to return to his hometown, and his agent Pablo Barquero, who also represents the manager of Real Madrid Castilla and the legend Raul Blanco, who also has a good relationship with Los Blancos. Given the projects on offer, and the success of the sides, Rodri sees only two options to move forward: renew with Manchester City or go to Real Madrid.

Another factor could be that Pep Guardiola's days at Manchester City seem numbered, with no certainty that he will be there after the end of his current deal. At Valdebebas, they also need Spanish players to meet UEFA's Champions League quotas, following the exits of Nacho Fernandez, Joselu Mato and the possible departures of Lucas Vazquez, Dani Carvajal and Dani Ceballos in the years to come

This news was first revealed by Joan Fontes in Aprilwith Manchester City's Sporting Director, Txiki Begiristain, already aware of Real Madrid's intentions. They will face a fierce battle to keep Rodri, given the natural attraction to a move to his hometown, and the fact that he has achieved everything in Manchester. Equally, Los Blancos' history of coaxing top stars, exemplified by Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe, speaks for itself.