Real Madrid are reportedly banking on a damaging outcome for Manchester City in their ‘trial of the century’ to swoop for Rodri.
Rodri is one of four players Madrid crave next summer alongside Trent Alexander-Arnold and either William Saliba or Cristian Romero, as per The Independent.
City are being tried for 115 charges of breaching the Premier League’s financial rules in a case which could see them relegated from the division. The champions maintain their innocence.
And Madrid are reportedly awaiting the outcome of the trial, believing a move for Rodri could become feasible if City are found guilty and majorly punished, according to The Athletic.
However, the LaLiga giants are not confident of being able to afford his transfer fee or wage demands as things stand while City are at the peak of football.
Real Madrid are reportedly waiting to see if Manchester City are punished heavily in their ‘trial of the century’ to make a move for Rodri
They do not think they can afford him if things stand – but perhaps will be able to if City are punished
In a press conference on Monday, Rodri said: ‘I have three more years at Man City and when I sign the contract I don’t think of other teams. Nothing more to say.’
However, the 28-year-old – who used to play for Atletico Madrid – was born in the Spanish capital and it is understood the prospect of playing in his homeland again appeals to him.
Rodri’s family still live in Madrid. In January he travelled to be with them following the death of his grandmother.
With his contract up in 2027, City still have the leverage to command a high transfer fee for a player in his prime and with a global stock.
However, as The Athletic claims, City are eager to tie him down to another deal.
Any new deal would put him close to Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland as the club’s top earners.
After his impressive performances in Spain’s Euro 2024-winning campaign, his global renown has only risen.
Rodri has become a strong contender for the Ballon d’Or given his success for both club and country.
Man City’s trial is taking place at the International Dispute Resolution Centre in central London
City could face relegation from the Premier League or a huge points deduction if they are found guilty in their 115-charge trial (City’s lead barrister Lord David Pannick pictured)
Real Madrid are already stacked in midfield with Jude Bellingham, Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga, Luka Modric, and Federico Valverde on their books.
Traditionally Rodri had been celebrated more for his defensive qualities, but there is now a recognition that he can be influential at both ends of the pitch.
Last season he scored a career-high nine goals, including the final goal of City’s Premier League campaign which sealed victory against West Ham – and the title.
