Top three Rodri alternatives Real Madrid should target this summer ft. Enzo Fernandez

Rodri has reportedly rejected Los Blancos’ approach.

Real Madrid’s transfer plans took a heavy hit as Manchester City’s Rodri reportedly rejected a move to Los Blancos this summer. The 30-year-old midfielder, fresh from lifting the FIFA World Cup 2026 title with Spain, looks set to join Barcelona in a blockbuster move.

Rodri, who won the Ballon d’Or in 2024, became the latest superstar to reject a move to Los Blancos. Head coach Jose Mourinho had earmarked the Spaniard as the player who could control Real Madrid’s midfield in the next three to four years. But the Portuguese head coach will have to alter his plans following the transfer setback.

The capital club are not short of options in the middle of the park. They boast Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni. They are both capable of playing in central midfield, while Federico Valverde can also play in that position.

However, none of them is on the same level as Rodri. He is capable of dictating the tempo of a match single-handedly. Therefore, Madrid might look to other midfielders in a bid to find a suitable defensive or box-to-box player.

Also Read: Top seven players who rejected Real Madrid ft. Rodri, Neymar & more

Three Rodri alternatives for Real Madrid

Sl No.	Player	Club
1	Enzo Fernandez	Chelsea
2	Manuel Locatelli	Juventus
3	Aleix Garcia	Bayer Leverkusen

Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea)

Enzo Fernandez made his desire to play for Real Madrid clear last season. The controversial move saw him suspended for two games by head coach Liam Rosenior. The new Chelsea boss, Xabi Alonso, also held talks with the Argentine midfielder, but refused to reveal any details in his last press conference.

TalkSPORT revealed that Fernandez is very much open to a move to Madrid in the summer. However, Chelsea have reportedly put a £120 million price tag on him. It would make any move for him significantly difficult, even for Los Blancos.

Also Read: I really like Madrid: Enzo Fernandez fuels transfer speculation with massive Real Madrid hint

Manuel Locatelli (Juventus)

A more defensive option than Fernandez, Manuel Locatelli is reportedly on Madrid’s radar as a potential option to provide competition to Camavinga and Tchouameni. 90min revealed that the Juventus midfielder is an option for the Spanish side, who will look to mould him into a role similar to those previously performed by Luka Modric and Toni Kroos.

Locatelli has a contract with the Bianconeri until 2030. He will cost around €25 million.

Aleix Garcia (Bayer Leverkusen)

Aleix Garcia has established himself as one of the best registas in the Bundesliga. That said, at 29 years old, the Bayer Leverkusen midfielder is also the oldest player on this list. However, he would cost around €20 million.

It would make him an affordable short-term option for Los Blancos. The Spaniard has also played three seasons in LaLiga, including with Girona. So he would require little time to acclimatise.

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