Real Madrid shut down plans to reinforce the position Xabi Alonso considers a priority | OneFootball

According to Cadena SER, it has been learned that Real Madrid have no plans to sign a new defensive midfielder this summer.

Despite growing calls for the club to bring in a number 5 to stabilise the team, the club’s management has decided to hold back, unless one specific opportunity arises.

The player at the top of Madrid’s wish list is Rodri, but the club understands that signing him this summer is almost impossible.

The Manchester City star is seen as the ideal midfielder to control the tempo of games and provide balance in the middle of the park. However, there are several reasons why the deal cannot happen right now.

Firstly, Rodri is under contract until 2027, and Manchester City have no intention of letting him go. Secondly, the transfer fee required would be enormous, something even a club of Madrid’s stature is hesitant to commit to at the moment.

Finally, after Rodri suffered a knee injury last season, Real Madrid prefer to wait and see how he performs before making any move.

Waiting for the right opportunity

Real Madrid will not move for Rodri this summer. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

While the need for a holding midfielder is obvious, Real Madrid believe there is currently no available player on the market who ticks all the boxes both football-wise and financially.

They have thoroughly analysed the market but concluded that Rodri is the only midfielder they want in that role.

For now, the club is expected to continue with its current squad, trusting the current crop to handle defensive duties in midfield.

However, Real Madrid are keeping the Rodri operation in mind for next summer, when they believe there could be a better chance to make the deal happen.

As things stand, Los Blancos are in no rush. They are willing to wait until 2026 to try and secure Rodri, especially if circumstances at Manchester City change.

Until then, they are unlikely to pursue any other number 5 in the market, as they feel no other player meets their specific needs.