Rodri Hernandez opens door to Real Madrid move – “You can’t give up playing for the best clubs”
Real Madrid are preparing to strengthen their squad with a new defensive midfielder in the upcoming summer transfer window. Several options have been evaluated by the club’s sporting department, with Rodri Hernandez of Manchester City emerging as one of the most prominent candidates.
Rodri has been on Real Madrid’s radar for quite some time. With the Spanish international set to enter the final 12 months of his current contract at Manchester City, there is growing belief that a reduced transfer fee could be negotiated for the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner. However, such a deal is far from certain, as City are keen to secure his future before the summer window opens.
It remains unclear whether Rodri will make the switch to the Santiago Bernabeu this summer, but he has admitted in an interview with Onda Cero that he would be open to the move. Despite his previous ties to Atletico Madrid, he does not see that as an obstacle.
“Having played for Atletico Madrid does not prevent me from playing for Real Madrid. There are other players who have followed that path—not directly, but over time. You cannot give up the opportunity to play for the best clubs in the world.”
Rodri also revealed that discussions about his future are currently being handled by his agent, although he did express a desire to eventually return to Spain:
“I don’t know. They don’t speak directly with me—they speak with my agent. But yes, I would like to return. Obviously, I have one year left on my contract, and there will come a time when we need to sit down and talk.”
Before suffering an ACL injury in 2024, Rodri was widely regarded as one of the best midfielders in the world. Although he has yet to fully regain that level since his return, he remains a high-quality player.
However, a potential €50 million transfer fee for a 29-year-old could be a significant factor in Real Madrid’s decision-making, with club president Florentino Perez expected to carefully consider whether to approve such a move.