Real Madrid plot midfield targets after Rodri rejects move this summer

Manchester City midfielder Rodri reportedly turned down a transfer to Real Madrid this summer, dealing a blow to the club’s recruitment plans. The 30-year-old, fresh from lifting the FIFA World Cup 2026 with Spain and the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, now looks set to join Barcelona.

José Mourinho had identified Rodri as the player to anchor Real Madrid’s midfield over the next three to four years, but the Spaniard’s refusal means the manager must adjust his strategy. Real Madrid retain central options in Eduardo Camavinga and Aurélien Tchouaméni, while Federico Valverde can also occupy the role, yet the club view none of them as matching Rodri’s ability to dictate a match’s tempo single-handedly. That assessment has prompted the club to consider alternatives who can provide defensive cover or a box-to-box presence.

Enzo Fernández has been linked as a high-profile option after making his desire to play for Real Madrid clear last season. His controversial move saw him suspended for two games by head coach Liam Rosenior, and new Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso held talks with the Argentine midfielder but “refused to reveal any details” in his last press conference. TalkSPORT reported Fernández is open to a summer switch to Madrid, but Chelsea have set a £120 million price tag, a figure the article says would make any move significantly difficult for Los Blancos.

Manuel Locatelli is presented as a more defensive alternative on Real Madrid’s radar, with 90min naming the Juventus midfielder as a potential target. Locatelli is contracted to Juventus until 2030 and is estimated to cost around €25 million, with the club reportedly intending to mould him into a role similar to those previously performed by Luka Modrić and Toni Kroos.

Aleix García is listed as a third option, described as one of the Bundesliga’s leading registas. The 29-year-old is the oldest player on the shortlist and would command an approximate fee of €20 million; having played three seasons in LaLiga, including with Girona, he is considered to require little time to acclimatise.

The three names under consideration therefore span a wide price range: Fernández at £120 million, Locatelli at about €25 million and García at about €20 million, with the source noting Fernández’s fee would pose a significant obstacle for Real Madrid.

With Rodri’s reported rejection, Real Madrid are set to pursue alternatives this summer and are weighing Enzo Fernández, Manuel Locatelli and Aleix García as potential midfield reinforcements.