Real Madrid News
Spain’s World Cup hero is ‘keen on joining’ Real Madrid – report
Rodri’s future is once again becoming one of the most talked-about stories of the summer, with fresh claims suggesting the Manchester City midfielder would welcome the opportunity to join Real Madrid if the Spanish giants decide to pursue a deal.
The Spain international has been linked with a return to La Liga in recent months, although reports have consistently suggested that Florentino Perez has reservations about investing heavily in a player who is now 30 years old.
Despite that caution, however, the debate within Real Madrid has not disappeared.
In fact, influential figures within the club still view Rodri as the ideal midfielder to strengthen Jose Mourinho’s squad, particularly after his outstanding performances during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Now, according to the latest information from Ramon Alvarez de Mon, relayed by Defensa Central, it has come to light that Rodri is “very keen” on making the move to the Santiago Bernabeu.
Rodri’s performances have strengthened the case
Before making any final decision, Real Madrid wanted to evaluate how Rodri responded after recovering from the serious knee injury that disrupted part of his campaign.
His displays for Spain at the World Cup have gone a long way towards answering those questions.
The midfielder has consistently performed at the highest level throughout the tournament, showing the composure, defensive intelligence and passing range that have made him one of the world’s leading players in his position.
Explaining why his opinion has changed, Alvarez de Mon said,
“Rodri is very keen to return to Spain and play for Real Madrid. The club was going to evaluate his season with City and his World Cup performance with Spain after his knee injury.
“Mourinho needs one of the best midfielders in the world, and he is one. I had my doubts because he’s turned 30 and had a complicated knee injury, which could lead to other muscle injuries.
“But I’ve seen enough, and I’ve seen a player who has returned to his best form.
“He’s been playing at maximum intensity for almost four weeks now, and he’s improving,” said the journalist.
Florentino Perez faces an important transfer decision
While Rodri’s form has reignited the conversation, it does not necessarily mean a transfer is close.
Reports in recent weeks have indicated that Florentino Perez remains unconvinced about committing significant resources to a player entering the later stages of his career, particularly after a major knee injury.
That position explains why Real Madrid have not yet accelerated negotiations despite the midfielder’s impressive performances.
At the same time, Mourinho is understood to value experience alongside technical excellence in midfield, making Rodri an attractive profile for the club.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid dressing room heavyweight raises concern over Vinicius: “We have to make him happy again”
One of the major sagas of the summer transfer window was the contract renewal involving Vinicius Junior.
Real Madrid and Vinicius had been in talks over a new deal for a significant period, and there were stages when it felt like an agreement might not be reached.
However, in the end, the film had a happy ending, with the 26-year-old putting pen to paper on a new deal at the club.
Despite the new deal, there are some concerns over Vinicius that have now reached the dressing room.
As quoted by Diario AS, an unnamed dressing-room heavyweight approached Mourinho after the game and expressed worry about the treatment Vinicius is receiving from a section of the Bernabeu crowd.
“Worried about Vini
The concern came after Vinicius was heavily whistled when he was substituted late in the Inter match, despite producing one of his stronger collective performances of the season.
“Boss, I am worried about Vini,” the senior player told Mourinho.
“After everything he has done for Madrid over the years, the way part of the fans have treated him is not normal. We have to make him happy again.”
This is no longer only about outside criticism or Mourinho publicly defending one of his forwards. The dressing room itself has recognised that Vinicius may need support.
Mourinho still sees Vinicius as untouchable
Despite how the crowd have been treating the 26-year-old, within the club, there is no doubt about what Vinicius brings to the table.
Mourinho sees him as one of the first names on the team sheet and an untouchable player in his plans for the club.
To his credit, the Brazilian has shown far greater defensive commitment and a willingness to sacrifice himself for the sake of his team.
This has undoubtedly led Mourinho to appreciate the effort, and the manager is determined to help Vinicius return to his best level.
Madrid need to protect one of their key players
That approach makes sense.
Vinicius has spent years carrying enormous attacking responsibility at Madrid. A difficult spell should not suddenly erase what he has already shown he can provide.
If Mourinho, the president and the dressing room are all united behind Vinicius, that support could be decisive.
It is high time the Bernabeu crowd also got behind their talisman and gave him the support he deserves.
The Brazilian will also have to become more consistent with his performances, and it remains to be seen how Mourinho addresses this situation.
