Real Madrid’s summer transfer activity has already reinforced the squad with the arrivals of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Carreras, Huijsen, and Mastantuono. The roster is now considered solid—provided there are no significant departures such as Alaba or Rodrygo. From this point forward, the club’s main priority is clear: to find a successor to Toni Kroos. A figure capable of orchestrating the game with authority. The heartbeat of the midfield. Someone in the mold of Rodrigo—if not Rodrigo himself.

Financially, Real Madrid is in a strong position to make another major move in the market. If Rodrygo were to be sold—an operation that could fetch between €80 and €100 million—the room for investment would only grow. However, despite having the resources, the club has yet to identify a midfielder on the international scene with the presence and profile required to immediately step into a starting role. The market simply isn’t offering that caliber of player right now.

Aside from Rodrigo, a few names remain on the table: Nicolò Barella (Inter), Enzo Fernández (Chelsea), and Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool). Each fits the technical profile Madrid is looking for, but all are under long-term contracts and are considered essential by their clubs. Any transfer would be extremely complex and costly, with deals for Fernández and Mac Allister easily reaching nine-figure territory. Barella might be a more affordable target, but even he is far from a straightforward acquisition.

Given this landscape, Real Madrid continues to watch Rodrigo’s situation with particular attention. The Manchester City midfielder made his return late last season after a serious knee injury that kept him out for nine months. He featured on the penultimate Premier League matchday and later played in the Club World Cup. His absence had a visible impact on City, underlining his importance.

Now, both clubs are watching him closely, City for his recovery and Madrid for a possible opening. With his contract set to expire in 2027 and renewal talks still pending, Rodrigo could soon gain leverage. If no agreement is reached by next summer, City may be forced to consider a sale rather than risk losing him on a free in 2027—a scenario increasingly common in modern football, where players opt to run down their contracts to secure hefty signing bonuses elsewhere.

At 29 years old, Rodrigo is still in his prime, the same age at which Zidane arrived in Madrid. If he proves he can return to his previous level after injury, Real Madrid may see in him not just Kroos’ replacement, but a new midfield leader.

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