Real Madrid has reportedly abandoned plans to sign Manchester City's Rodri Hernández due to concerns over his injury recovery and age. The club is now targeting younger midfielders including Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton. This move comes amid ongoing struggles in the midfield following key departures.
Real Madrid's midfield has faced challenges since Carlo Ancelotti's departure and the exits of Luka Modrić and Toni Kroos, disrupting the squad's structure during the 2025-26 season. Initially, Rodri Hernández from Manchester City was viewed as a potential reinforcement, but the club has decided against pursuing him. According to reports from Diario AS cited in multiple outlets, doubts persist about the 29-year-old's form after his anterior cruciate ligament injury in September 2024, despite his proximity to full recovery.
Rodri's contract with Manchester City runs until summer 2027, and he is expected to renew. His father, Antonio Hernández, stated at the National Sports Awards ceremony: “He is very happy where he is. You will understand the natural discretion in these circumstances. I don’t know anything, and I truly mean that. I don’t know anything—the story still has to be written… He’s desperate to go to the World Cup.” Real Madrid respects Rodri's quality but prefers younger players for long-term midfield leadership.
Instead, the club is preparing a bid for Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton, a 21-year-old Englishman noted for his defensive solidity and ball-playing ability, similar to Rodri's style. His transfer could exceed €100 million, with interest from other Premier League teams. Additional targets include AZ Alkmaar's Kees Smit, whose fee might surpass €50 million due to his potential; PSG's Vitinha, who wishes to stay but could be convinced; and the return of Nico Paz via a €9 million buyback clause. These signings could enable a four-midfielder system, with Jude Bellingham shifting to an attacking role and the new addition organizing from deeper positions.
