Media reports say that Spanish midfielder Rodri Hernandez, who plays for Manchester City, has caught the eye of Real Madrid officials. The Spanish and European giants are looking at him as a possible replacement for Luka Modrić, who said he will leave Santiago Bernabéu Stadium at the end of this season.
Modrić, now 40, shared an official statement on Thursday night confirming he will leave Real Madrid after 13 years with the club. During this time, he won 28 trophies – more than any other player in Real Madrid’s history.
Real Madrid had already started following Rodri about a year ago, before he suffered a cruciate ligament injury in a Premier League game between Manchester City and Arsenal last September.
Real Madrid’s thoughts on Rodri
Spanish newspaper AS reported that Real Madrid plan to sign a new midfielder this summer to fill the gap left by Luka Modrić. The report said that the club “are ready to pay a big amount to bring City’s playmaker to the royal team.”
It added, “There are no free players in the market, and Real Madrid will have to spend money to replace Modrić. Rodri from City is one of the options, even after his cruciate ligament injury.”
The newspaper also said, “Rodri stayed out for about 241 days, but he is still one of the players Real Madrid want, especially now that Modrić’s departure is confirmed.”
The 28-year-old Spanish international still has a contract with Manchester City until June 2027. So, if Real Madrid want to sign him, they will need to talk with City and reach an agreement.
The report also said that Rodri wants to play at the Santiago Bernabéu. Real Madrid’s board plan to sort this matter out after the team’s expected appearance in the 2025 Club World Cup.
Rodri and his problem with Real Madrid fans
Rodri Hernandez does not have a good bond with Real Madrid supporters. Last year, he won the Ballon d’Or for best player, beating Brazilian winger Vinicius Junior.
Many Real Madrid fans launched a social media campaign to show their anger over Rodri winning the Ballon d’Or instead of Vinicius. They believed Vinicius deserved the award because he helped Real Madrid win several titles last season, especially La Liga and the Champions League.
Rodri upset Real Madrid fans even more when a video spread online showing him celebrating the Ballon d’Or with friends. In the video, they sang songs mocking Real Madrid players and chanted, “Vinicius Ciao Ciao (Goodbye).”
Rodri’s season so far
Because of his cruciate ligament injury, the Spanish midfielder only played four matches for Manchester City in all competitions this season. He has not scored or assisted any goals.
City struggled without him and lost all major local and European trophies. They were knocked out of the Champions League early by Real Madrid, losing both the home and away legs.
In the Premier League, City gave up the title they had won four years in a row. With only one match left in the league, they are now fighting just to secure a Champions League place for next season.
