"The Spaniard may not yet be back at his 2024 Balon D’Or form following his ACL surgery, but Rodri has once again become the key cog in the City midfield. Rodri leads the Premier League with 97 pass attempts per 90 this season, slightly down from the 111 he averaged during his Balon D’Or season when he led the top five European Leagues.
Born in Madrid, Rodri has expressed an interest in returning home to play at Real Madrid after spending the last seven seasons in Manchester. The possible departure of Pep Guardiola this summer, coupled with possible sanctions to City for alleged breaches of Premier League financial rules, could accelerate Rodri’s interest in a potential return to the Spanish capital where he played for one season at Atleti.
Rodri’s contract ends next season which gives City the impetus to look for a sale this summer if the Spaniard is not prepared to sign an extension. Transfermarkt values Rodri at €65 million, but there are rumors that a possible deal could be closed for approximately €50 million. Several Spanish football journalists have indicated he is the preferred signing of President Florentino Pérez. His prospective signing comes with some caveats, namely concerns about his age and availability given any potential setbacks considering his 2025 knee surgery. But it should be noted that given his experience operating as a sole defensive midfielder, Rodri’s signing would allow Madrid to play with 2-3 midfielders in more advanced positions."
- @DonShelby__ : managingmadrid.com/managing-madri…
🚨 JUST IN: Real Madrid are thinking about loaning out Franco Mastantuono. He currently does not have a place in the team and has just 3 goals and 1 assist.
— @diarioas
🚨 When Real Madrid signed Franco Mastantuono, PSG were also in the race which forced Real Madrid to move faster.
It was a recommendation from Santiago Solari and Juni Calafat, but it's clear he doesn't have a spot in the team right now and even next season.
— @diarioas