Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez is ready to shake up the transfer market once again. According to Daily Star, Los Blancos are preparing a record €130 million (£130M) bid to land Manchester City midfielder Rodri Hernández even if it means sacrificing key squad members to make it happen.

Xabi Alonso Wants a True Pivot — Not Just Depth

While Real Madrid boast major midfield names like Aurélien Tchouaméni and Fede Valverde, neither fits the exact role Xabi Alonso is craving. Since Toni Kroos’s departure, the team has lacked a true midfield conductor a positional controller capable of dictating tempo from deep.

Attempts to adapt Arda Güler into that role have shown promise, but his natural profile is more vertical and attacking, unlike Kroos’s calm orchestration.

That’s why the club has identified Rodri, winner of the 2024 Ballon d’Or, as the perfect fit.

Real Madrid Ready to Strike Before Manchester City Renew

Rodri’s current deal runs until June 2027, but he has not yet agreed to an extension with Manchester City. Real Madrid view this as a window of opportunity, and Florentino Pérez has no intention of waiting.

Planned Offer: £130 million / €130 million

Objective: Secure Rodri as the new midfield anchor for the Xabi Alonso era

City are reluctant sellers Rodri is one of Pep Guardiola’s most important players but there are whispers of doubt. Since suffering a knee injury, the Spaniard has reportedly admitted that he does not feel fully at 100% physically, sparking internal debate over a possible long-term succession plan.

Possible Sacrifices Ceballos & Valverde on the Exit List

To fund the move and maintain squad balance, Real Madrid would offload at least one major midfielder if Rodri arrives.

Dani Ceballos is expected to leave. Fede Valverde is not ruled out either especially after recent tension with Xabi Alonso, following reports that he refused to play at right-back (claims he later denied publicly).

Florentino’s Message Is Clear

If Real Madrid put £130 million on the table, there is no doubt Rodri becomes the next Galáctico.

The negotiations are still in early stages, but Florentino Pérez has made up his mind:

Real Madrid need a new midfield general — and Rodri is the chosen one.