Both Manchester City and Real Madrid have been busy throughout the early stages of the 2025 summer transfer market.
The European giants are coming off very disappointing campaigns by their standards, as neither club won a major piece of silverware throughout the 2024/25 season, which is a rare occurrence.
As a result, both have looked to strengthen during the early part of the transfer window, with Tijjani Reijnders among the four stars Man City signed, while Madrid acquired Xabi Alonso as their new coach, in addition to Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, and Franco Mastantuono.
The La Liga giants were also looking to hijack Arsenal’s deal for Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi; however, there has been a major update on this move.
Martin Zubimendi in action for Real Sociedad v FC Barcelona.
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Real Madrid give up on Martin Zubimendi signing
The future of Zubimendi has been a big talking point for over a year, as Liverpool attempted to sign the midfielder last summer; however, the Spaniard turned down a move to the Reds, and in the meantime, the La Liga star has agreed to join Arsenal.
Man City showed interest in Zubimendi, in addition to Real Madrid, and over the last few weeks, the Spanish giants have been trying to hijack the Gunners’ move for the Sociedad star.
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A report from Spanish newspaper AS has now stated that Los Blancos have given up on the 26-year-old and are resigned to the fact that the midfielder is moving to Arsenal.
The report states that Real Madrid will address the number six role in their team at a later date, with Rodri named as one of the potential options.
This latest transfer news out of Madrid should worry Man City, as Alonso would have a good chance of convincing the 2024 Ballon d’Or to move to the Bernabeu next summer.
Rodri in action for Manchester City v AFC Bournemouth.
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Man City should be worried about the future of Rodri
Rodri has been on Real Madrid’s radar for some time now, as it is no surprise that the La Liga giants have an interest in the best number six in the world.
The Spanish side have no chance of signing the midfielder this summer as the 28-year-old will want to bounce back at the Etihad Stadium after Rodri suffered a long-term knee injury last season.
However, next season could be a problem for City as the Euro 2024 winner will have just one year left on his current contract at the Etihad Stadium, which will make it hard for the Manchester club to keep hold of the player should Madrid arrive with a reasonable offer.
Given the contract situation, the La Liga club will also be more inclined to make a move, as they know they have some leverage and the transfer fee will be much lower than in previous years.
Rodri has been in Manchester since 2019 after completing a £62.5m move from Atletico Madrid, and having won everything at Man City, the midfielder may also seek a new challenge, and there is none better than the biggest club in his home country and the world.
All this could be shut down with the 28-year-old simply signing a new contract at City, but until then, the Premier League outfit should be aware that there is a good chance that they could lose the player next summer.