Real Madrid News
Real Madrid lead race for Man City megastar despite PSG, Barcelona entry – report
The high-stakes battle to sign Manchester City midfield orchestrator Rodri has escalated into a frantic three-way continental tug-of-war, with Real Madrid being joined by fierce rivals Barcelona and French champions PSG.
Indeed, as reported by journalist Fabrice Hawkins of RMC Sport, Real Madrid maintain a definitive advantage in the race, having already secured a total agreement on contract terms with the 30-year-old.
But Barcelona and PSG have both initiated dramatic, late manoeuvres to hijack the blockbuster operation.
PSG enquire over transfer conditions
As per the update, PSG have officially contacted Manchester City to formally inquire about the financial conditions required to sanction a transfer as they are considering launching a lucrative counter-bid.
The Parisian hierarchy had originally not planned to recruit a high-profile central midfielder during the current summer window, choosing instead to focus their resources elsewhere.
However, the unique contractual vulnerability of the newly crowned FIFA World Cup winner has completely altered their strategy.
With Rodri having entered the final 12 months of his contract at the Etihad Stadium, PSG view the Golden Ball recipient as a genuine, once-in-a-career market opportunity that they cannot afford to ignore.
Barcelona distract Madrid’s progress
Simultaneously, Barcelona are refusing to stand idly by while their domestic rivals assemble a midfield superpower.
The Blaugrana sporting department has internally registered its desire to attract the Spain international to Catalonia.
While their priority currently lies in reinforcing the No. 9 position, Barcelona are quietly assessing whether they can swoop in with a late move for the World Cup winner.
Real Madrid remain in pole position
Despite the sudden interference from Paris and Barcelona, Real Madrid remain firmly in the driving seat of this multi-million-pound transfer saga.
Having already convinced the player of a return to Madrid, Florentino Perez & co. are leading the race.
Manchester City find themselves increasingly powerless to stop an exit, as Rodri’s persistent refusal to sign an extension forces them to evaluate these incoming proposals.
Whether the entry of PSG and Barcelona into the picture changes things or if the midfielder remains steadfast in his desire to return to Madrid remains to be seen.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid ready to reward 21-year-old star with new contract and big salary increase
Real Madrid are preparing to reward Arda Guler for his rapid rise by extending his contract and significantly improving his salary, according to AS.
It must be remembered that the Turkish midfielder’s standing at the Santiago Bernabeu has changed considerably since he arrived as an 18-year-old.
Initially, adapting to the demands of Real Madrid proved difficult, with regular opportunities hard to find. His situation, however, is now very different.
Real Madrid want the player’s contract to reflect that change and are working towards an agreement that would keep Guler tied to the club until 2031.
Guler set for major contract upgrade
Guler originally signed a deal running until 2029 when he signed from Fenerbahce.
Real Madrid now want to add another two years while simultaneously giving him a substantial salary increase.
The intention is not only to protect the club’s investment in one of Europe’s most exciting young players, but also to formally recognise the importance Guler has developed within the first-team setup.
According to the report, the new agreement is already complete and is set to take effect from the beginning of the current season.
The improved terms are therefore designed to match Guler’s growing contribution rather than his status when he first arrived in Spain.
Mourinho sees Guler differently
Jose Mourinho’s arrival has also helped clarify where Guler fits into Real Madrid’s plans.
The Portuguese manager views him primarily as an attacking midfielder, rather than a central midfielder.
Mourinho’s vision is particularly important for Guler because central roles are more commonly occupied by players such as Bernardo Silva, Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni.
Hence, Mourinho’s assessment appears to give Guler a more defined role in the team, allowing his attacking qualities to become a greater part of his responsibilities.
As such, the proposed extension is effectively a recognition that Guler is no longer the same prospect who walked through the Bernabeu doors two years ago.
Real Madrid initially had to be patient with his development, but the club now appears determined to make his long-term future a priority.
