Los Blancos reportedly eye Rodri as Toni Kroos successor in Xabi Alonso’s midfield plans
Madrid, Spain – July 27, 2025 – Spanish giants Real Madrid are reportedly considering a sensational player-plus-cash deal to secure the services of Manchester City’s midfield maestro Rodri, as the club looks to fill the void left by the retirement of club legend Toni Kroos.
According to reputable sources cited by CaughtOffside, Real Madrid are prepared to offer two key players—Brazilian winger Rodrygo Goes and French midfielder Eduardo Camavinga—alongside a cash sum of €40 million, in a bold attempt to lure the Ballon d’Or-winning Spaniard to the Santiago Bernabéu.
The move, if successful, would be one of the most high-profile transfers in recent European football history, potentially reshaping the midfield dynamic of both Real Madrid and Manchester City.
Rodri Identified as Xabi Alonso’s Midfield Anchor
Following Toni Kroos’s emotional farewell from professional football earlier this summer, new Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has reportedly prioritized securing a deep-lying playmaker capable of dictating tempo and shielding the defense. Rodri, widely regarded as one of the most complete holding midfielders in the world, is seen as the ideal candidate to fill that role.
Sources close to the Madrid camp indicate that Alonso views Rodri as the long-term cornerstone of his tactical setup, particularly as he seeks to integrate a hybrid system that blends positional play with aggressive pressing—hallmarks of Rodri’s current success under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.
“Rodri has been the beating heart of City’s midfield for years,” said Spanish football analyst Juanma López. “His composure, intelligence, and experience in high-pressure games make him a dream fit for any team, especially one transitioning into a post-Kroos era.”
The Offer: Rodrygo, Camavinga, and €40M
Real Madrid’s reported proposal includes two young and highly rated stars in Rodrygo and Camavinga—both of whom have played pivotal roles in recent seasons for Los Blancos. The inclusion of both players underscores just how highly the club values Rodri and how serious they are about landing him.
Rodrygo, 24, has matured into a reliable attacking force, often stepping up in crucial UEFA Champions League matches, while Camavinga, 22, is widely viewed as one of Europe’s most promising all-around midfielders.
In addition to the duo, Real Madrid are said to be offering €40 million in cash to sweeten the deal—a figure that could help City reinvest into potential replacements or other areas of their squad.
City Not Actively Looking to Sell—but Open to Talks?
Rodri is currently under contract with Manchester City until 2027 and remains a cornerstone of Pep Guardiola’s system. However, there have been murmurs in the English media that the Premier League champions are quietly exploring future options to eventually evolve their midfield—particularly in light of heavy workloads and tactical adjustments.
While there is no public indication that City are willing to part with Rodri at this stage, the scale of Madrid’s offer may at least prompt discussions at boardroom level.
“If Real Madrid are truly offering Camavinga, Rodrygo, and cash, it would be very difficult for any club to dismiss that out of hand—even Manchester City,” said Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp. “Still, Guardiola would need serious assurances about replacements before even considering such a move.”
Madrid Likely to Wait Until Next Summer
Despite the speculation, insiders believe that Real Madrid are unlikely to make a formal approach before the summer of 2026. The club is expected to monitor the situation over the coming months, particularly as they assess the development of other internal options like Aurélien Tchouaméni and Arda Güler.
Waiting until next summer could also benefit Madrid financially, allowing them to navigate UEFA’s Financial Fair Play regulations and budget for Rodri’s potential salary demands.
Additionally, by next year, Rodri will have just one year left on his current contract, potentially softening Manchester City’s negotiating position and giving Madrid more leverage.
Rodri: A Proven Winner
Rodri, 28, has enjoyed immense success at both club and international level. Since joining Manchester City from Atlético Madrid in 2019, he has won five Premier League titles, a UEFA Champions League crown, and multiple domestic trophies. He was instrumental in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph and was recently awarded the 2024 Ballon d’Or—becoming the first defensive midfielder in over two decades to win the prestigious prize.
His blend of technical excellence, positional intelligence, and physical durability make him a unique asset in modern football.
“He’s the kind of player you build a team around,” said former Spain manager Luis Enrique. “Not just because of his talent, but because of his mentality. He’s a leader on and off the pitch.”
What’s Next?
While neither Real Madrid nor Manchester City has officially confirmed negotiations, the reported interest is bound to stir excitement and speculation among fans and pundits alike. Should the deal materialize, it could go down as one of the most consequential transfers of the decade.
For now, Rodri remains focused on his duties with Manchester City, who begin their pre-season tour of Asia next week. However, with Xabi Alonso keen to make his mark at Real Madrid and Rodri’s profile continuing to rise, this developing story is one to watch.
Africa Live News will continue to monitor updates on this potential mega-deal and provide exclusive insights as the 2025–26 European transfer window unfolds.
