Real Madrid are reportedly considering Manchester City midfielder Rodri as a potential replacement for the retiring Toni Kroos. The 34-year-old Kroos will retire after the European Championship next month.
Kroos is widely acknowledged as one of the greatest midfielders of his generation. The 2014 FIFA World Cup winner will conclude his career following Euro 2024 in Germany, leaving him with just two more club games, the final being the UEFA Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund at Wembley on June 1. Finding a direct replacement for Kroos will be challenging for Los Blancos, but Rodri is viewed as a strong candidate. The Spaniard has been a key player for City since joining four years ago.
According to Tribal Football, the La Liga champions are keen on acquiring the 27-year-old. However, any transfer would be complicated, as Rodri is under contract with City until 2027. Another option for Real Madrid is Bayern Munich’s Joshua Kimmich, as mentioned in the same report. Rodri, with a market value of €110 million according to Transfermarkt, has scored 26 goals and provided 30 assists in 256 appearances for City. He has won 11 titles with the club, including a continental treble last season and four consecutive Premier League titles.
Both Real Madrid and Manchester City have had exceptional seasons. Real Madrid secured the Supercopa Espana and La Liga titles, while City won the UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup, and Premier League.
Both teams still have opportunities to add to their trophy collections before the season ends. Real Madrid will conclude their La Liga campaign at home against Real Betis on Saturday (May 25) and then face Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League final a week later. Meanwhile, Manchester City, fresh off their unprecedented four-peat in the Premier League, will finish their season with the FA Cup final against Manchester United on Saturday at Wembley. Pep Guardiola’s side defeated United 2-1 in the final last year.
