Rodri: Atlético set their sights on Villarreal midfielder
The 21-year-old left Atleti as a youngster, but Diego Simeone is eager to bring him back to Madrid for the 2018-19 season.
He once wore the red-and-white stripes of Atlético Madrid, but slipped out of the back door at the club. It happened when Julián Muñoz was responsible for the academy, and he will not forget the name Rodrigo Hernández. Rodri had to pack his bags and leave. Now, at the age of 21, he is flourishing as the cornerstone of Villarreal’s midfield.
Atlético back in for Rodri
Yet he is back on Atlético’s agenda, with Diego Simeone keen to bring him in to his squad for the 2018-19 season. In fact, he would have liked to have signed Rodri already, but has been unable to do so due to the club’s transfer ban, which will come to an end in January and see the incorporation of Diego Costa and Vitolo in the squad.
Los Colchoneros intend to add significant reinforcements to their squad ahead of next season, and the centre of midfield has been identified as a key area.
Villarreal contract running dangerously low
Rodri is currently negotiating a new contract with Villarreal, which would keep him at the club until 2022. His current deal expires in June 2018. He has played 17 times this season, including an impressive performance in the 1-1 draw against Atlético at the Wanda Metropolitano. Rodri has also established himself as an important part of the Spain Under-21 side.
Atleti deem him ready to move up a level, yet also consider that he has significant potential to improve.
| Classification | PTS | WM | TM | LM |
|---|
| Upcoming matches |
|---|
