Real Madrid will sign a central midfielder this summer. A blunt explanation – but one that reflects internal consensus: there will be a brainbox in the team.
The departure of Modrić is only the decision of the club, part of a broader renewal plan – even though Luka agrees with a different wage reduction and accepts a secondary role. Despite Xabi Alonso signals that Modrić fits in his project. The club still refused to extend its contract and they believe it is time for a generation shift. Point.
But that decision brings a clear consequence: a new signing will be added this summer.
And Madrid is not looking for a bargain. They are ready to invest heavily in a real genius for their midfield. No free agents or budget agreements – if a lot of money is needed, it is so. They believe that time is now.
Rodrigo Hernández: The preferred option
The best choice of the club is Rodrigo Hernández from Manchester City. He is the favorite under the decision-makers-by the serious injury he sustained (a torn ACL in his right knee on September 22, 2024). Yet the desire remains. Last Tuesday he returned to action after 240 days on the sidelines – a total of seven months and 27 days.
Negotiation with Manchester City
Things are getting complicated here. Rodrigo is 28, under contract until 2027. So the formula is simple in theory but complex in progress: Madrid has to negotiate a transfer with Manchester City. No small achievement.
Rodrigo has long shown interest in playing in the Bernabéu, but Madrid has persistent doubts about whether he will regain his former level after such a serious injury. In any case, every movement would take place after the club's World Cup, giving the club time to calm down calmly. His possible involvement in the Nations League Final Four will serve as an important indicator. The situation is active.
From Liverpool to Milan
Rodrigo is not the only name on the list. Alexis Mac Allister is also highly regarded at the club. But he would be expensive – about $ 100 million – and with a contract until 2028, only a major financial edition would be possible. Complicating things further are the current relationships with Liverpool, which, although not broken, are far from supple after the situation of Alexander-Arnold.
Then there are Tijjani Reijnders. A talented, convincing option – but again, expensive. He has recently been renewed with Milan until 2030. The price tag? About $ 90 million. So again, it's big or runs away.
Movement around Enzo Fernández
Enzo Fernández stays on the radar, albeit lower on the list. Reports just a few hours ago suggest that the player is very tempted by a move to Madrid. His entourage has already initiated contact with ChamartÃn and assessed the landscape and the possible competition for playing time.
But this interest collides directly with Chelsea's attitude: he is not transferable. They will not entertain offers. Every deal would push far beyond $ 100 million – too much, even for Madrid. They are considering dragging conversations, but it might not be enough.
And here is the most important obstacle: the midfielders that they like are priceless expensive. But that is the market today. That's football now. So Madrid also looks at younger, cheaper talents: Angelo Stiller and Hugo Larsson. Both play in the Bundesliga, both are internationals, and both would cost around $ 50 million.
But they are gambling. Young, not tested at the highest level – and you never know how the white shirt could weigh on them.
Stiller has been one of the biggest revelations of the Bundesliga with Stuttgart. A Champions League player, 1.83 meters long, left, more a deep playmaker than an attacking threat-a real organizer.
Larsson, on the other hand, is more of a traditional no. 10-attacking, right-footed, 1.87 meters long, currently on Eintracht Frankfurt. Stiller is German; Larsson is Swedish. Both are highly appreciated. Both are on the list.
That is the current photo. With Modrić, the midfield is full of muscles (Tchouaméni, Camavinga, Valverde …), but briefly on brain – briefly on that special touch to control Real Madrid's rhythm.
The club knows. They have set the wheels in motion. A central midfielder will be signed this summer. And if it requires a huge edition, they will publish it. It is necessary. It's urgent. With Modrić away, the casting call is still open. The operation is underway. Looking for the Lost Maestro.