Real Madrid

Real Madrid’s Rodri plans

Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodrigo Hernández has consistently been linked with a transfer to Real Madrid.

Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodrigo Hernández has consistently been linked with a transfer to Real Madrid.

The end of the season is fast approaching, and the transfer market is starting to take center stage. Spain’s national-team camp is no exception. Rumors are flying, and among them is the one linking Rodrigo Hernández to Real Madrid’s supposed interest. It’s nothing new. It’s been repeated for weeks, but the position inside the Bernabéu hierarchy hasn’t changed: signing the European Championship–winning midfielder is not part of Madrid’s plans.

Real admire Rodri, but no move on the horizon

Rodri is the Spanish player with the greatest international impact. His 2024 Ballon d’Or has put him in a place no other active Spanish soccer star has reached. Eighteen months after suffering a right‑knee injury, his return to the highest level is now a reality - something underscored by his inclusion in Luis de la Fuente’s latest national-team squad. Now he’ll compete with Martín Zubimendi for the starting role heading into next summer’s World Cup.

The midfielder commands enormous respect inside Real Madrid’s dressing room and among the club’s leadership, but that admiration doesn’t extend - at least not enough - to seriously discussing a potential transfer. His embrace with Vinícius Júnior at the end of the Champions League tie between Manchester City and Madrid is the clearest example of that mutual regard. Once the award ceremony moment passed, both went their separate ways without any further noise.

Real Madrid’s Rodri plans
Rodri in action for Manchester City in the recent Champions League tie against Real Madrid.JAVIER GANDUL

Rodri remarks fuel transfer talk

This time, the rumor mill has intensified because of Rodri’s own comments on Spanish radio station Onda Cero about Real Madrid. He expressed admiration for the club and even acknowledged that his Atlético Madrid past wouldn’t automatically close that door. He spoke with maximum respect, a stance some media outlets have interpreted as a hint of intent from a player whose City contract runs until June 30, 2027.

Everything points, as Diario AS has learned, to Rodri and Real Madrid continuing on separate paths. At Valdebebas, they are indeed searching for a central midfielder - or rather, a midfielder who can improve what the squad currently has - but the focus of that search is not on the City star. His physical resurgence (and of course, his ability) is clear, but Real Madrid have other priorities for that position as they wait to see how Álvaro Arbeloa’s team finishes the season.

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