Report: Real Madrid drop their pursuit of £52m Man City star — and more

Real Madrid Cool Interest in Rodri as Midfield Rebuild Continues

Real Madrid’s long standing admiration for Rodri Hernández appears to have reached a quiet conclusion. For years the Manchester City midfielder represented the type of cerebral presence many believed would eventually land at the Santiago Bernabéu. According to reporting from Sport, however, the Spanish giants now view the opportunity as one that has passed.

The reasoning is practical rather than sentimental. Rodri, one of the defining midfielders of Manchester City’s dominant era under Pep Guardiola, approaches a crossroads in his career. Age, injury concerns, and financial realities have shifted Madrid’s priorities as they reshape their midfield.

Photo IMAGO

Age and Injury Raise Questions

Rodri will turn 30 in June and is currently recovering from a serious knee injury. Though still widely respected across European football, these circumstances inevitably affect how potential suitors evaluate his future.

Real Madrid’s recruitment policy in recent seasons has leaned towards younger talent capable of anchoring the team for the next decade. Even with Rodri’s market value estimated around €75 million, his price tag would still be significant.

Sport reports that Manchester City would not consider offers below €60 million, a figure that immediately complicates any potential move.

From Madrid’s perspective, committing that level of investment to a player nearing 30 and returning from injury does not align with the club’s evolving strategy.

Missed Opportunities in Midfield Planning

The situation echoes decisions made in previous transfer windows. Last summer, Real Madrid chose not to sign Martin Zubimendi, who was 26 at the time and widely considered one of Spain’s most technically refined midfielders.

The report notes that Zubimendi waited until the final stages of the transfer window for contact from Madrid. The call never came, and he ultimately joined Arsenal for €60 million.

That decision has since attracted renewed scrutiny as Madrid attempt to rebuild a midfield once dominated by Toni Kroos and Luka Modrić.

Market Search Continues

Real Madrid’s admiration for Rodri dates back to his early career at Atlético Madrid. Even then, the club understood his qualities but recognised that a transfer would be impossible given Atlético’s resistance.

Rodri eventually joined Manchester City, where Pep Guardiola moulded him into the tactical heartbeat of his side. His positional intelligence and control of possession made him an extension of the manager on the pitch.

Today the circumstances have changed again. Sport suggests Madrid would only reconsider Rodri if he were available on a free transfer or nearing the end of his contract.

Meanwhile, the club continues to scan the market for midfield reinforcements. The departures of Kroos and Modrić have exposed an area of vulnerability, and further uncertainty surrounds Dani Ceballos’ future.

Internal options are also being considered, including the potential promotion of academy midfielder Thiago García Pitarch.

For now, the message from Madrid is clear. Rodri remains respected, but he no longer fits the profile of the future they are trying to build.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Manchester City perspective, this report may provoke mixed reactions. Rodri has been the defining midfielder of the Guardiola era, the player who quietly dictates tempo and structure. His influence has often been clearer in absence than presence.

If Real Madrid truly believe the moment to sign him has passed, City supporters might view that as confirmation of his continued importance. Rodri remains one of the most tactically intelligent midfielders in world football. Even approaching 30, players with his positional awareness rarely decline sharply.

Concerns around his knee injury are understandable, but City fans will remember how often he has returned stronger from setbacks. Guardiola has repeatedly described him as the team’s brain.

There is also an irony in Madrid’s hesitation. For years Rodri looked like the perfect heir to Spain’s great midfield lineage. Watching him dominate Champions League matches for City only reinforced that belief.

From a City standpoint, the idea that Madrid would only move if he became a free agent suggests something else entirely. Rodri remains valuable enough that paying a fee feels uncomfortable, but losing him for nothing would suddenly make the equation appealing.

City supporters might read this situation in a simple way. If Madrid are stepping back now, perhaps it strengthens the case for City ensuring Rodri’s future remains firmly at the Etihad.

Arne Slot Provides Florian Wirtz Injury Update Ahead of Wolves Clash

Liverpool head into their FA Cup meeting with Wolves with renewed optimism after an encouraging update on Florian Wirtz. Arne Slot confirmed the attacking midfielder is edging closer to a return, which will be welcome news for supporters ahead of Friday evening’s tie.

The German playmaker has missed several recent fixtures with a back problem, leaving Liverpool without one of their most inventive players during a crucial part of the campaign. With Wolves again standing in their way, attention has naturally turned to whether Wirtz can play any part.

Florian Wirtz Recovery Progress

Florian Wirtz first encountered the issue in the warm up before Liverpool’s 1-0 victory away at Nottingham Forest on February 22. The 22 year old had been named in the starting line up but withdrew shortly before kick off after feeling discomfort in his back.

At first the expectation inside Liverpool was that the problem would be minor. Instead it has lingered, ruling Wirtz out of the home win over West Ham United and the recent defeat against Wolves.

Photo: IMAGO

His absence has been noticeable. Liverpool remain a strong attacking side under Arne Slot, but when Wirtz is missing the final third can become slightly easier for opponents to read. The German’s ability to glide between the lines, find pockets of space and thread passes through tight defensive structures gives Liverpool a different dimension.

Arne Slot Provides Positive Update

Speaking ahead of Liverpool’s FA Cup clash with Wolves, Slot offered a cautiously encouraging assessment of Wirtz’s progress.

“He trained half and half with the team yesterday. He made the next step in rehab. Let’s see where he is today. He could be available for a few minutes tomorrow in the best scenario. Everyone else fine.”

That update suggests Liverpool will take a careful approach with Florian Wirtz rather than rushing him back too quickly. Even a brief cameo could give Liverpool a lift, particularly if the match becomes tight late on.

Slot also hinted that rotation will be necessary, though Liverpool will not have a completely fresh line up available.

“We have a few but we don’t have 11. I always have options to bring in and players can bring in and let them start.”

Liverpool Focused On Response Against Wolves

Liverpool’s defeat at Wolves recently still lingers in the background, and Slot acknowledged that his side must react in the right way. The FA Cup tie offers an immediate opportunity to do exactly that.

“Not for the first time this season, three days after a game where we have dropped points, I’ve seen us do quite a lot this season, we have to be better than we were last time.”

That message underlines the standards expected at Liverpool since Slot guided the club to the Premier League title in the 2024-25 season. Consistency, intensity and a swift response to setbacks have become hallmarks of the team.

With Wolves arriving for this FA Cup contest, Liverpool will hope to combine those qualities with the potential return of Florian Wirtz, even if only briefly. His creativity could provide the spark needed to push Liverpool towards the next round and keep momentum building in the weeks ahead.

For now the situation remains a watching brief, but the signs are positive. If Wirtz does feature, even for a handful of minutes, it could be a timely boost as Liverpool aim to overcome Wolves and continue their pursuit of more silverware.