Real Madrid’s hierarchy have been watching the 2023 World Cup with more than a passing interest. Their fascination with the tournament has translated into a concrete pursuit of Spain’s midfield lynchpin Rodri, who was crowned the competition’s best player.
While Manchester City could theoretically retain the English‑based metronome for another twelve months at no cost, the Spanish giants are eager to secure his services immediately, and the sentiment appears to be reciprocated. In a March interview on a Spanish radio programme, Rodri openly expressed a desire to return to LaLiga, remarking, “You can’t turn down the best clubs in the world.” City are keen to keep him, offering an improved contract, yet the pull of Real Madrid – one of the world’s most storied clubs – is difficult to ignore. Los Blancos have monitored Rodri for years, and his recent displays for the Spanish national side have quieted any lingering doubts about the long‑term impact of his knee injury.
Pep Guardiola’s former assistant, José Mourinho, is reportedly looking for seasoned campaigners to reinforce his spine, and Rodri fits that rare mould of a player who has already collected every major honour at club level. Manchester City, meanwhile, have already broken their own transfer record to acquire Elliot Anderson. Although Anderson is not a ready‑made replica of Rodri, his potential is evident.
From a purely business perspective, extracting a sizable fee for a player in his early thirties with only a year left on a non‑renewed contract would be sensible, even if it feels a little reluctant. City’s recent transfer philosophy has required a cool, calculated approach to players nearing the end of their cycles.
The club’s willingness to let go of stalwarts such as Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva and John Stones in recent windows has been pivotal to their ongoing rebuild. In Rodri’s case, securing a transfer fee would be the silver lining to an otherwise painful departure. Sources suggest Real Madrid are preparing an offer in the region of £43 million‑£51 million (€50 million‑€60 million).
City, however, remain hopeful that the Spanish midfielder will commit to a fresh, long‑term deal. --- Pep Guardiola has never minced words about Rodri’s quality, labeling him “the best midfielder in the world by far.” Over the past five seasons, Rodi has been the most complete central midfielder to ply his trade in the Premier League. Under Guardiola, City’s in‑play rhythm revolved around his ability to receive the ball under pressure, dictate tempo and control the flow of matches – a role he replicated for a triumphant Spain at the World Cup. When Rodri has been sidelined through injury, City’s title ambitions have suffered.
The club failed to retain the Premier League crown in the two seasons where his availability was limited, underscoring how integral his presence is to their system. So, how might City replace a player of Rodri’s calibre? Enter Elliot Anderson. The 23‑year‑old England international is not yet the dictatorial presence that Rodri commands, but he possesses the attributes of a box‑to‑box midfielder and is beginning to post numbers that suggest a comparable impact.
His efficiency in possession will be enhanced by training daily alongside the City first‑team, allowing him to develop a more progressive style that aligns with Guardiola’s philosophy. Rodri’s signature line‑breaking passes are a weapon against the tightly packed defenses typical of the Premier League. Anderson will need to broaden his passing repertoire to emulate that range, yet his off‑the‑ball work rate already looks promising.
Head coach Enzo Maresca has praised his coachability, a trait that bodes well for rapid development. City are unlikely to rely on a single signing to fill the void.
The club has already begun implementing a formula to reduce dependence on Rodri following his ACL injury in 2024. The strategy includes leveraging the industriousness of Bernardo Silva, as well as the contributions of squad players who stepped up last season – Tijjani Reijnders, Nico González and Nico O’Reilly – all of whom remain viable options for Maresca.
Is this a stop‑gap fix or a long‑term blueprint? Anderson’s game mirrors Rodri’s in that he can cover the ground of two midfielders. At Nottingham Forest, he was supported by Ibrahim Sangaré, providing a template for how City could operate with a dual‑midfield pivot.
Maresca prefers a system with two deep‑lying midfielders: a traditional No 6 anchoring the defense and a more liberated No 8 pushing forward. Beyond Anderson, City have identified other potential targets. Lille’s 18‑year‑old Ayyoub Bouaddi impressed at the World Cup, showcasing a blend of technical skill, ball‑carrying ability and physical strength that suits the Premier League. His performances for Morocco caught the eye of City scouts, who see him as a long‑term prospect.
Rodri’s uniqueness lies in his anticipation of opposition movements. He often wins possession by intercepting passes rather than relying on tackles, allowing City to retain control, momentum and possession – hallmarks of Guardiola’s tempered style.
Maresca, however, favours a more direct approach, using the pace of wingers to stretch the pitch and accelerate the build‑up. Under this system, central midfielders may be required to work harder off the ball, but the emphasis shifts away from being pure pass‑masters. Anderson can still operate proactively from deep, supported by technically gifted teammates who can relieve pressure and create space, allowing the midfield to function as a cohesive unit rather than a solitary engine. The departure of Rodri would be a double blow: City would lose their best controller and a player with invaluable experience.
Bernardo Silva’s exit would compound the loss, as he was Guardiola’s "favourite one" due to his tactical intelligence and adaptability across systems. Nevertheless, City are no strangers to transitioning away from era‑defining stars.
The club thrived after the retirement of Sergio Aguero, secured titles following Yaya Toure’s departure, and continued to win with David Silva’s gradual phase‑out. The organization’s structure and scouting network are designed to absorb such changes. Anderson will face immense pressure to perform in Rodri’s wake, but his credentials suggest he can rise to the occasion.
While he may miss the mentorship of one of the world’s elite midfielders, the opportunity to cement his own place among the elite is now within reach. If he can develop the vision, passing range and composure that made Rodri indispensable, Manchester City could emerge with a new midfield cornerstone and maintain their status as a perennial contender in both England and Europe.