At Real Madrid, every move has a reason. If Florentino Pérez has decided to set a price for Rodrygo Goes, it's not by chance.
The club president already has in mind the name of the player who could define an era in Real Madrid's midfield. That player is Rodri Hernández, current Ballon d'Or winner and the driving force at Manchester City. He is the player Xabi Alonso has requested to strengthen the midfield.
Florentino knows Rodri won't be a cheap signing, but he also knows there are resources available. According to Cadena SER, Real Madrid have valued Rodrygo at €90 million. This is a high figure, but manageable for clubs like Arsenal or PSG, who are interested in the Brazilian winger.
That money has a clear destination: to finance the signing of Rodri, the most desired midfielder by Xabi Alonso to complete his new project.
Xabi Alonso wants Rodri
Real Madrid's coach is certain. Rodri is the ideal holding midfielder to lead his team. His tactical intelligence, imposing physique, and ability to dictate the tempo of matches fit perfectly with Xabi's playing philosophy.
It's no coincidence that many see him as Xabi's natural successor on the field. Now all that's left is to put the white jersey on him.
Rodri is currently one of the most complete footballers in the world. He has won everything with City, has been crucial for the Spanish national team, and his level is beyond dispute. At 28 years old, he is in his footballing prime and would be an immediate addition to help dominate Europe from the midfield.
A calculated operation
Real Madrid know that, to keep financial balance and comply with financial fair play, they need to sell before buying. That's why Rodrygo's departure makes sense. Although he is a player loved at the club and by the fans, his inconsistency and the surplus of attacking options make his transfer both viable and strategic.
The money brought in by the Brazilian will be reinvested directly in Rodri. Florentino is willing to negotiate with City, knowing it won't be easy to take him out of England. However, the player's interest in returning to Spain and wearing white could be the key.
Rodri, the chosen one
With Kroos already retired and Modric in his final days, Real Madrid need a new leader in the center of the field. Tchouaméni, Valverde, and Camavinga are excellent, but Rodri would raise the level and provide immediate experience to compete for everything from the very first minute.
He has a contract with Manchester City until June 2027. He would be delighted to return home, to Madrid. City will be forced to negotiate if the player doesn't extend his contract and the date when he would become a free agent approaches.
Florentino already has the plan: Rodrygo will leave, Rodri will arrive. With him, Real Madrid would be one step closer to building an absolutely unstoppable starting eleven.