Manchester City will compete at the Club World Cup this summer – and Real Madrid officials will reportedly be keeping a close eye on one player in particular.
The 2024/25 season has been a sorry one for Manchester City, who just missed out on the chance to win the FA Cup.
City lost to Crystal Palace at the weekend, and now face a big battle to secure Champions League football.
But City will get the chance to compete for another trophy this summer as they participate in the FIFA Club World Cup, hosted in the US.
Also playing at the CWC will be Real Madrid – and it has been claimed they will be watching a City player with intent.
Real Madrid will be watching Rodri for Man City this summer
Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
It’s been reported by Spanish outlet Cadena SER that Real Madrid will be closely watching Manchester City maestro Rodri this summer at the Club World Cup.
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Rodri, of course, has barely featured for City in the 2024/25 season after picking up an ACL injury back in September against Arsenal.
City have struggled massively without their maestro, with the lack of legs and control in midfield exposed in his absence.
But Rodri will be in Manchester City’s squad to face Bournemouth tonight, and may possibly return to the field at the Etihad Stadium for the first time since his injury.
Real Madrid have been fans of Rodri for some time.
But any move to the Bernabeu any time soon for the 28-year-old is unlikely, especially after Real’s embarrassing reaction to the player winning the Ballon d’Or last year.
Despite that, though, Cadena SER say Rodri is to the liking of Real Madrid officials, and they will be watching him closely this summer to see how he fares after his serious injury.
The publication boldly claimed he ‘could be a market option’ for Real if his recovery is good.
Photo by Mateo Villalba/Getty Images
Photo by Mateo Villalba/Getty Images
Real Madrid covet Rodri, but Man City exit is unlikely
It would be astonishing if Rodri left Manchester City this summer to join Real Madrid.
Rodri – who cost just shy of £63 million (BBC Sport) – has just undergone gruelling rehab to get back fit again after his ACL injury, and him leaving just doesn’t feel at all likely.
Rodri for Man City (2019-present)
Appearances – 260
Goals – 26
Assists – 31
Trophies won – 11
Knowing the kind of character Rodri is, he’ll want to repay the hard work of the City medical team by shining again in a City shirt.
That said, Rodri does only have a couple of years left on his contract, which the club will need to be mindful of.
It’ll be fascinating to see how he gets on at the Club World Cup, but Real Madrid can surely forget about prising him away.