Rodri set to be Real Madrid's number one target next season

It has been stated that Rodri, a star for Manchester City who is holding out for a contract extension, is Real Madrid's top transfer target for 2025. Real Madrid is hopeful to finalise a deal for Alphonso Davies of Bayern Munich by next summer, according to the Spanish publication AS. As part of their permanent strategic planning, they are now focussing on Rodri. 

The team is looking for a player of a similar level to take Toni Kroos's place in retirement. Kroos has had an unmatched impact on Madrid's midfield. Being regarded as one of the greatest in his field, Rodri has become a "priority transfer target" for completing this position.

Rodri is currently at the height of his abilities at age 28, and when the 2025 transfer market opens, he is going to be 29 years old—the same age that Zinedine Zidane was in 2001 when he signed with Real Madrid. Although his current City contract expires in2027, the team is keen to offer him a new contract in order to safeguard his future. 

The Spanish midfielder hasn't committed to an extension yet, though, which has fuelled speculation that he would go. Real Madrid icon Raúl Gonzalez is also represented by his agency, Pablo Barquero, and the two have been in contact with City about a renewal thus far, but no deal has been made.

Where will Rodri be when the next season comes around?

Although Rodri's salary may be comparable to that of star attacker Erling Haaland, City is reportedly willing to pay him among the highest paid members of the team. However, Rodri may be enticed to return to Madrid, where he grew up and take on a significant role in Real Madrid's sporting endeavours.

Real Madrid won't engage in a bidding war because they know Rodri will either join them or extend his contract with City. Madrid intends to hold off on making any significant decisions until the completion of the current campaign.