Real Madrid has made signing a new midfielder a priority for the summer transfer window, aiming to fill the void left by legends Toni Kroos and Luka Modric.
The club is specifically looking for a defensive midfielder (“pivot”), especially considering that Nico Pazzi is expected to return in a more offensive role.
The list of options includes names such as Vitinha, Adam Wharton, and Kees Smit. Another big name linked to the Madrid club is the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, Rodri Hernandez. The Manchester City and Spain international midfielder has been monitored by Real for some time and would reportedly be open to a move to the Bernabéu.
However, according to reports from Diario AS, he is not considered a target for this summer.
Although relations between the parties have improved after tensions arose during the 2024 Ballon d’Or debate, this is not expected to lead to a concrete offer.
This is an important decision for Real Madrid, as Rodri is regarded as one of the best midfielders in the world.
Furthermore, he could be relatively financially accessible, as his current contract with Manchester City runs until 2027 and has not yet been renewed. Nevertheless, the Madrid club is focusing on other alternatives for the defensive midfield role.
Names like Vitinha and Smit are expected to be central to the plans, while the main target may become clearer only closer to the opening of the summer transfer window in July.
