La Liga legend warns Real Madrid not to undervalue Rodri

Real Madrid face a midfield void since Toni Kroos retired, prompting calls for a player who can dictate tempo. Manchester City’s Spanish international Rodri, entering the final year of his contract, is linked with a €60‑70 million move to the Spanish capital, offering a potential solution.

Real Madrid have been repeatedly linked with the Manchester City star in recent weeks, although the club has publicly downplayed any negotiations. Internally, opinions differ on whether signing a player approaching the latter stages of his career aligns with the club’s transfer strategy.

Since Toni Kroos retired, Madrid have lacked a midfielder capable of controlling the tempo of games with the same authority. The absence of such a player has become a focal point in discussions about the squad’s evolution.

La Liga legend Santi Canizares argued that Rodri’s sporting value outweighs any concerns over resale potential. He said, “Financially, Rodri isn’t a player that Real Madrid will recoup their investment in, but in sporting terms, of course they will.”

Canizares added that the club should focus on what the midfielder can deliver on the pitch rather than viewing him as a long‑term financial investment. He warned, “We mustn’t forget that this is a football business, but you earn a lot of money through results. Rodri is a unique player.”

Jose Mourinho is also reported to be keen on bringing the Ballon d’Or winner to the Santiago Bernabéu, believing he is the ideal midfielder to anchor a new‑look side. The Portuguese coach is said to have made his preference known to club president Florentino Pérez, though there has been no indication that Real Madrid have opened formal talks.

If the transfer materialises, Real Madrid would gain a calm, intelligent presence in possession and a player who consistently influences big matches. For Rodri, the move would offer a chance to join a club seeking the very profile he provides while potentially securing a substantial fee for Manchester City.

Canizares’s comments arrive as Rodri’s future remains one of the biggest talking points of the transfer window. A photo by Florencia Tan Jun captured the discussion, underscoring the media attention surrounding the saga.