Real Madrid want to take Manchester City’s Rodri away from the Premier League, after identifying him as their priority target.
That’s according to journalist Alberto Pereiro, who covers it on Onda Cero’s Radioestadio Noche, relayed by Mundo Deportivo.
On February 27th, Sport Witness covered claims from Spain that Real Madrid want to sign the Manchester City star.
The Spain international will turn 30 years of age in June, while the La Liga side have only spent money in recent years on young players.
Therefore, Los Blancos will have to change their strategy, to take the midfielder away from the Etihad in the summer.
Manchester City star top priority for Real Madrid
The 29-year-old and Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck are Real Madrid’s ‘top priorities’ for next season.
Pereiro reports the Spanish giants have allocated €100m to sign the duo and funds for further signings will depend on player sales.
“The first €100m that Real Madrid want to spend this summer is on Rodrigo Hernández and Schlotterbeck. Whether Madrid makes more signings depends on what they sell this summer,” he said.
The journalist hasn’t specified the fee Real Madrid have allocated or intend to offer to Pep Guardiola’s side for Rodri.
Earlier today, Sport Witness relayed news from Germany that Real Madrid are no longer prioritising Schlotterbeck for the defence. Los Blancos have their focus on Liverpool star Ibrahima Konaté.
Both the Germany international and Konaté are 26 years old. However, the Frenchman’s contract expires in June and has reportedly made up his mind to leave Anfield.
Real Madrid can sign Konaté for free while have to agree terms with Borussia Dortmund to sign Schlotterbeck.
Analysis: Rodri’s contract and value
Rodri
If the Spanish club decide to go ahead with Konaté, they can allocate sufficient funds to sign Rodri.
The former Atlético Madrid man has less than 18 months left on his contract. His father recently said he “doesn’t know anything” about his son’s future plans.
Mundo state it’s unclear whether Manchester City are willing to sell the player for the price set by Real Madrid. Transfermarkt now value him at €75m, a figure Real Madrid may not match.
The English club don’t have a need to raise funds and have the capacity to take a financial hit and let Rodri leave for free in 2027. However, Guardiola’s side are unlikely to stand in his way if he requests a transfer.