Real Madrid are preparing one of the biggest transfer bids in football history. However, it is not just Los Blancos who are watching closely.
According to the Daily Star, Real Madrid are ready to offer £130 million to sign Rodri from Manchester City in 2026.
The plan is bold, but it could have an unexpected ripple effect across Europe and might aid Manchester United.
Real Madrid currently top La Liga after beating Villarreal 3-1, with Vinicius Junior scoring twice and Kylian Mbappe continuing his record-breaking form.
But Xabi Alonso’s team still need a new midfield anchor. They failed to strengthen their engine room in the summer.
Some senior players could also leave in the next few windows. So, Alonso has turned his focus toward Rodri.
The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner is out of contract at the end of next season. Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al-Mubarak wants him to stay.
But there is growing concern that Rodri could be tempted by Madrid’s project, especially if Pep Guardiola leaves the Etihad.
Such a deal would break Real’s own transfer record, surpassing the £110.6 million they paid for Jude Bellingham in 2023.
Alonso sees Rodri as the perfect midfielder to control matches, even though the Spaniard has struggled with fitness since last year’s ACL injury.
However, here lies the twist. If Real Madrid do sign Rodri, Manchester United could profit directly from it. United have long admired Federico Valverde.
If Madrid succeed in bringing Rodri to the Bernabeu, Valverde could be the one to make way and that would open the door to Old Trafford.
For Manchester United, a move that weakens Manchester City while freeing up Valverde is a double win.
Now, all eyes are on Madrid. If Alonso’s £130 million gamble on Rodri goes through, the shockwaves could reach Manchester and potentially change United’s midfield for years to come.
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