Madrid's Bold Captaincy Bet: Rodri to Lead Real Madrid's Midfield

Overview

The royal team looks set for a radical overhaul.

Real Madrid is stepping up serious efforts to sign Manchester City midfielder Rodri, as part of a plan to rebuild the squad and restore leadership in the locker room, according to a press report.

TeamTalk reported on Friday that the Real Madrid board is growing more concerned about the waning leadership within the squad, following the departures of Sergio Ramos, Casemiro, Toni Kroos, and Luka Modric, which has pushed them to seek an experienced, strong-willed player capable of imposing stability, especially with a new coach potentially arriving in the summer.

The City star is viewed as the ideal leader on the pitch, able to control the midfield rhythm and guide the dressing room, just as Real Madrid legends did before.

Meanwhile, the Spanish international has previously shown openness to a move to Real Madrid at some point in his career, with less than 18 months left on his current Manchester City deal.

If Rodri refuses to extend his contract, City could be forced to entertain selling him next summer rather than losing him for nothing later, especially amid the uncertainty surrounding Pep Guardiola's future, with indications that the coach is strongly poised to depart after this season, despite a contract until 2027.

Punchline 1: With Rodri in the armband, Madrid's midfield might finally stop misplacing the ball—though the ball might still have a sense of humor.

Punchline 2: And if Guardiola leaves City, they can always hire Rodri as a midfield conductor—just don't forget the baton.