Real Madrid 'prepare perfect welcome gift for Rodri' as Manchester City risk losing key player

Manchester City are preparing to fend off transfer interest from Real Madrid, who are ready to roll out the red carpet for star midfielder Rodri.

Having scored the winning goal in the 2023 Champions League final, Rodri's stock has soared year on year under Pep Guardiola, with the 28-year-old even tipped for this year's Ballon d'Or.

Rodri has also shone on the international stage, winning the Player of the Tournament award at this summer's European Championship.

A key part of the team that helped Spain win a record fourth European title, Rodri is now tipped to return to his homeland, with Real Madrid reportedly interested in the star.

According to Spanish media outlet AS, Real Madrid bosses have identified Rodri as their star signing for the 2025 summer transfer window.

The report suggests Carlo Ancelotti and Florentino Perez share a “big dream” of bringing Rodri to the Santiago Bernabeu as they prepare for the second edition of their Galacticos project.

Rodri is reportedly in contract talks with City, with the ex-Atletico Madrid star's current deal running until June 2027.

City are said to have presented a giant contract offer to help Rodri reach the salary level of City's top earners in a bid to keep him at the club beyond his 30s.

City will be confident they can convince Rodri that the Etihad Stadium is still the best place to play football, but Real Madrid's star men have already done the work needed to get him to join the reigning European champions.

Speaking this summer, Dani Carvajal said: “I tell Rodri every day to sign for Real Madrid… I tell him every day to leave Manchester, that there is no sun there and to come to Madrid because we need him.

“He tells me he has a contract… but he would be perfect for us.”

Rodri was quick to react, however, saying in an interview with AS: “I try to analyse all the decisions I make, to have a criterion.

“And above all, I'm trying to make progress. I'm very, very happy in England. I think I'm in one of the best clubs in the world, that's obvious, and I'm happy.

“I have a three-year contract (with Manchester City) and when the time comes I will see. I have already said it about the short term. I don't like it or it doesn't make much sense to look at the long term. Spain is my country, Madrid is my city, my home.

“When I went to Manchester, I remember a conversation I had with my parents in which they asked me if I was sure of myself because I was going to another country, another culture. And, in the end, you are happy when you are sure of something. If I go back, it will be with conviction.”