A “bold” deal between Real Madrid and Manchester City is looming

Los Blancos kept their La Liga hopes alive with a resounding 1-0 win over Athletic Bilbao on Sunday, thanks to a last-gasp winner from Federico Valverde.

However, Carlo Ancelotti’s men are still four points behind the Catalan giants at the top of La Liga, and the 2024-25 season has been full of negatives rather than positives for the 15-time European champions.

Real Madrid’s limits were exposed in a 5-1 aggregate defeat to Arsenal in the Champions League quarter-finals, with Ancelotti’s famous back four finding little joy against a Gunners backline in the absence of Kroos.

The former German international surprisingly decided to retire from football at the end of Euro 2024, and while Real Madrid still boasts a wealth of talented midfielders, none of them possess the unique passing skills that Kroos brings to the table.

There’s no doubt that Luka Modric is a legend at the Santiago Bernabéu, but the Croatian veteran will turn 40 in a few months, and it’s unclear whether he’ll be offered an extension to his current contract after the summer.

As Real Madrid look to part ways with their former star midfield, a report from Cadena Ser – via Bild – claims that Santiago Bernabéu officials have turned their attention to a very bold move for Ballon d’Or winner Rodri.

The Spanish international is seen as the “ideal” replacement for Kroos at Real Madrid, despite the fact that he has not played since September due to a devastating cruciate ligament injury.

But Rodri’s chances of returning before the end of the season are slim, and there is also hope he will be fit to play for Manchester City in the Club World Cup, where they could face Real Madrid this summer.