According to reports in the media, from varying different sources, Real Madrid have decided not to pursue the signing of Rodri this summer transfer window.
Although Real Madrid have already made four signings this summer in the form of: Denzel Dumfries, Ibrahima Konate, Marc Cucurella and Bernardo Silva, there is still an expectation and a hope within the fanbase that more will follow.
Since Toni Kroos retired, and especially since Luka Modric left the club, fans have long since wanted Los Blancos to sign a controller in the midfield to dictate the pace of the game. There are a lot of physical players in the midfield, but not as many technicians.
With the signing of Silva, that is somewhat negated, but he is 32 now and will not be able to play every game. Plus, fans think a pure six who can sit in front of the back four is more necessary than a box to box type controller, like Silva.
Well, one player the club have often been linked to in recent months is Manchester City and Spain national team midfielder, Rodri, who beat Vinicius to the 23/24 Ballon D'or.
In the last couple of weeks, his name has began to pop up again. Well, we now have the latest updates regarding the City midfielder and Real Madrid. Indeed so, as The Athletic are reporting that Rodri has been long (since) open to playing at the Bernabeu, but sources from the club could "not be clearer" - they have no intention of signing him.
They also state that the player himself has "expressed surprise" that Real Madrid have not shown an interest in him. Sources close to the Bernabeu say the players believe he would be a very good signing, but the club do not agree.
Meanwhile, El Larguero report that Rodri wants to join Real Madrid, and he would agree to join under any conditions. However, president Florentino Perez does not want him.
So, there we have it. One of the very best midfielders in the world - if not the best, and in a position Real Madrid clearly need, and have done for a while, wants to join the club, but they do not reciprocate this feeling. Just unbelievable really. In just over 24 hours time, it is quite likely that Rodri would have won both a Euros and a Ballon D'or as his teams arguably best player, in a two year period, with an ACL injury in between.
But apparently that isn't good enough? Wow. Beggars belief sometimes, it really is.
