Rodri of Manchester City
Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images
Real Madrid may not yet have wrapped up a deal with Manchester City to sign Rodri, but it already feels like he is very close to wearing white next season.
It is very clear that the Spaniard is dreaming of moving to Los Blancos this transfer window, and Real Madrid have also started negotiations for the same which is said to be on track.
Now, it has already been revealed what jersey number the 30-year-old could wear should he move to the Santiago Bernabeu.
According to Alberto Pereiro of Radioestadio Noche, the Spain midfielder would, in all likelihood, wear the No. 16 shirt at Madrid.
The statement suggests there is growing confidence that Los Blancos will complete the signing, though Madrid fans should keep their emotions in check.
Rodri remains under contract with Manchester City, and the two clubs would still need to settle the financial terms of any operation.
Rodri of Spain
Rodri is expected to join Real Madrid. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
Still, the No. 16 would carry a degree of logic. It is a number Rodri has previously worn during his career, and choosing it would allow him to maintain a familiar identity rather than immediately taking one of Real Madrid’s more symbolic midfield shirts.
He is currently wearing the same number for both Spain and Manchester City, and previously wore the number 14 when he played for Atletico Madrid.
The sporting plan matters much more than the number. Jose Mourinho is pushing strongly for Rodri because he sees him as the midfielder capable of controlling the rhythm of his new team.
Real Madrid already possess enormous physical power through Federico Valverde, Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni.
Rodri would add pausa to this group and control the midfield like Toni Kroos or Luka Modric in their prime.
The balance he could bring to this team would be massive for Madrid, and this could be a signing that pushes them closer to winning trophies.
Who previously wore No. 16 at Real Madrid?
The No. 16 shirt is currently assigned to Gonzalo Garcia, but with the Spaniard Fulham-bound, it is set to become vacant this summer.
Gonzalo Garcia, Real Madrid player
Gonzalo Garcia wears #16 currently at Real Madrid. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Endrick wore the number when he joined Madrid in 2024, while Alvaro Odriozola, Luka Jovic and Borja Mayoral were among its previous owners.
Further back, James Rodriguez briefly used No. 16, while Mateo Kovacic wore it for two seasons and became one of its more successful recent occupants.
It is not one of the Bernabeu’s most iconic shirts, which could suit Rodri.
Rather than inheriting a number associated with one untouchable club legend, he would have space to give No. 16 a stronger identity of its own.
First, though, the transfer needs to get over the line, and the onus is now on Real Madrid to reach an agreement with Manchester City and bring the Spaniard back home.
Franco Mastantuono of Real Madrid
Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images
Real Madrid and Franco Mastantuono have seemed quite inclined towards finding a loan move for the player for some time now.
The Argentine teenager seemed keen on returning to River Plate, an option Los Blancos did not view too favourably, with their preference being for him to stay in Europe.
Mastantuono was subsequently left out of Jose Mourinho’s squad for the pre-season friendly against Fiorentina, indicating that a move was in the works.
Now, according to Hector Gomez, La Liga club Valencia have joined the race to sign Franco Mastantuono on loan, with the Mestalla club making a formal enquiry.
Valencia view the operation as difficult but still consider themselves one of the possible destinations for the Argentine if Madrid decide to send him out temporarily.
Franco Mastantuono of Real Madrid
Valencia show interest in Mastantuono. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)
Despite being left out of the travelling squad, the South American starlet’s future remains unresolved, with a number of possible destinations.
Valencia could offer regular La Liga minutes and a familiar domestic environment, allowing the teenager to continue adapting to Spanish football without leaving the country.
This is something that could appeal to Real Madrid. However, the operation is still expected to be difficult.
Real Madrid are expected to demand a clear development plan, meaningful playing time and a loan structure without a purchase option.
Valencia would also have to convince both the club and the player that Mestalla is the right place for the next stage of his career.
Franco Mastantuono of Real Madrid and Argentina
Mastantuono is also attracting interest from Italy. (Photo by Marcos Brindicci/Getty Images)
They would also need to find an important role for Mastantuono within their project for the upcoming season, knowing full well that they will not have a purchase option.
There are many things going in Valencia’s favour and many things going against them too. In sporting terms, they have not had a great time recently either.
Moreover, Fiorentina in Italy are also pushing hard to sign the player on loan for the upcoming campaign.
Ultimately, the decision over where Mastantuono spends the upcoming season lies with Real Madrid and the player himself.
Since this is a loan move strictly designed to aid his development, Los Blancos need to prioritise high-quality game time more than anything else.
It remains to be seen which club eventually signs the Argentine teenager and whether Valencia manage to convince Real Madrid to choose them as his next temporary destination.