Real Madrid got a reality check after they lost their FIFA Club World Cup semi-final game.
Before the tournament, they were the favourites to lift the trophy.
With Kyllian Mbappe, Rodrygo, and Vinicius Junior, they looked like an unstoppable unit.
Also, with Xabi Alonso taking charge after replacing Carlo Ancelotti, many were expecting a response from the Los Blancos after their trophyless season.
But what happened was not only shocking but a much-needed eye-opener for Real Madrid even before the season started.
Real Madrid lost the game by 4-0. Many people were blaming the defence due to some silly mistakes from Antonio Rudiger and Raul Asencio.
However, Xabi Alonso figured out that the main problem lies in the midfield. Real Madrid lack a midfield general.
After the legendary trio of Kroos-Modric-Casemiro, the Los Blancos are yet to establish such a strong midfield unit.
That is why they were eyeing Rodri from Manchester City. The Spaniard used to play for Atletico Madrid before he joined City in 2019.
At Manchester, he became one of the best midfielders and the midfield general that Real Madrid wanted.
Pep Guardiola missed him last season as he also went trophyless, which is quite rare.
Now, Real Madrid are looking to sign the Spaniard, and Transfer News Live has already reported it.
However, Guardiola is not ready to lose the heart of his team.
Despite being 30 years old, Manchester City are not ready to cash in, with Madrid ready to offer over €100 million for the player.
However, according to Mundo Deportivo, Manchester City are now ready to fend off interest from Real Madrid for Rodri.
They are looking to extend his contract with a huge offer for the Spaniard.
If Rodri signs a new deal with City, it will be a telling blow to Real Madrid’s hope of securing his services.
🚨 Man City are working hard to extend Rodri’s contract amid interest from Real Madrid. 📝🩵
(Source: @mundodeportivo) pic.twitter.com/Lq6Gs327MP
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) July 23, 2025
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