Real Madrid News
Real Madrid set three conditions for the pursuit of Manchester City midfield general
As we move closer to the summer transfer window, Rodri is once again becoming a sought-after figure in the transfer market, with Real Madrid touted as a possible destination.
The departure of Pep Guardiola is likely to influence Rodri’s potential exit from the Etihad Stadium and it appears Real Madrid are more than prepared to pounce on an opportunity.
That being said, Defensa Central reports Real Madrid have set three key conditions for the pursuit of Rodri.
Mourinho must be interested
The first condition Real Madrid have set is that incoming manager Jose Mourinho must be keen on signing Rodri.
The club want to sit down with the Portuguese tactician to discuss the Rodri move. If he gives the green light, the first condition will be met, though Real Madrid maintain that Mourinho won’t have the final say in everything.
Real Madrid won’t pay any price
Another critical condition is the asking price. Real Madrid ideally do not want the Rodri deal to exceed the €40-42 million mark and won’t pay any price for the former Ballon d’Or winner.
The club believe Rodri, at 30, is no longer in his peak years, and given the situation at Man City, with Guardiola leaving, and his contract expiring in 2027, Real Madrid are convinced his price shouldn’t exceed that level.
If Rodri pushes for an exit, it could help Real Madrid’s case further, as Man City will have to come to the negotiating table.
Rodri must perform in World Cup
Real Madrid’s final condition is that Rodri must perform well in the upcoming FIFA World Cup. Spain are one of the favourites to win the tournament and as a former Ballon d’Or winner, he is expected to play a key role for La Roja.
If Rodri can’t impress at the biggest tournament in football, Real Madrid might not end up making a move for the veteran midfielder.
According to TeamTalk, Real Madrid have joined the growing list of clubs monitoring Gabriel Rajkovic, a 15-year-old winger whose rapid development at Valerenga has already attracted attention from several of Europe’s leading sides.
The Merengues are known for keeping an eye on exciting young talent across the globe and it seems that Rajkovic’s exploits in Norway, with the first team, have alerted them.
Real Madrid keeping tabs on Rajkovic
As per the report, Real Madrid are among a host of clubs closely following the progress of the young forward.
Rajkovic holds both Norwegian and Serbian nationality and has emerged as one of the most promising young players in Norway.
His development has not gone unnoticed, with Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund also understood to be monitoring him.
However, at this point, it is Arsenal and Chelsea, who are understood to be leading the charge for Rajkovic, having compiled a detailed dossier on the teenage prodigy after extensive scouting.
On top of that, the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have all watched Rajkovic in recent weeks.
Real Madrid could therefore face significant competition if they decide to step up their interest in a player who has already made an impression at senior level.
Making an impact at just 15
Rajkovic was handed a promotion to the Valerenga first-team squad in January earlier this year, when he was only 14 years old.
Following that, he signed a new contract with the club in March, when he turned 15, committing to the club until 2028.
Despite being only 15, the winger has already begun gaining experience in first-team football. In all, he has made 14 senior appearances for the Norwegian outfit, scoring three and assisting one goal.
Rajkovic has also represented Norway Under-16s, making two appearances and scoring once despite being younger than many of his teammates.
Those numbers become more impressive when his age and stage of development are taken into account.
Real Madrid have built a reputation for identifying young talent well before players reach their peak, and Rajkovic has now emerged as another name on their scouting radar.
But given the number of clubs in the race, signing the teenage wonderkid will not be easy.
