Real Madrid’s midfield rebuild hits another setback with Rodri move

Real Madrid’s search for a successor to Toni Kroos has become more complicated after Rodri decided to join Barcelona, leaving the Spanish club without the midfield organiser it had identified as the clearest answer to a problem that has lasted for two seasons.

Kroos’ departure left Real Madrid needing a player capable of directing attacks, controlling the tempo and providing balance from the centre of the pitch. The club had viewed Manchester City midfielder Rodri as the most urgent solution, but his decision to move to Barcelona has closed off that route.

Real Madrid have already completed several signings with the new La Liga campaign only two weeks away. Marc Cucurella, Denzel Dumfries, Ibrahima Konate, Bernardo Silva, Carlos Espi and Yan Diomande are among the arrivals, yet the capital club still lack an obvious replacement for Kroos in terms of creativity and control.

The weakness has been increasingly visible over the past two seasons. Without a player to act as a “compass” for their attacks, Real Madrid have struggled at times to impose themselves in midfield, making Rodri a target for both the club’s hierarchy and its supporters.

There is still time for Real Madrid to act, with the transfer window scheduled to remain open until the end of 1 September. Jose Mourinho wants to strengthen the midfield but recognises that the club’s ability to make another major signing could depend on departures.

Eduardo Camavinga and Raul Asensio are among the players whose situations could prove important, with some exits potentially required to create room for further additions.

Rodri’s choice has also reduced the number of realistic alternatives. Paris Saint-Germain pair Joao Neves and Vitinha have been linked with Real Madrid, but both appear difficult to sign.

According to Mundo Deportivo, the club could revisit a small group of midfield targets during the final days of the window.

Martin Zubimendi, now an Arsenal player, is one of the leading possibilities. The Spain international was strongly considered by Real Madrid last season at the request of Xabi Alonso, before completing his move to the English club. Although Zubimendi has not yet produced the season expected of him, his name could return to Real Madrid’s plans because of his ability to organise play from deep.

Another option is Germany international Angelo Stiller of Stuttgart, who has been associated with Real Madrid in recent months. Stiller currently intends to remain in Germany, but a determined approach from the Spanish club could persuade him to reconsider.

Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton is also on the list. The 22-year-old is highly regarded in England and has been linked with a move to Chelsea.

While the midfield situation remains unresolved, Mourinho is expected to work with the players already available and continue with a 4-2-3-1 formation.

Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni are currently the leading candidates to form the holding midfield partnership, with Jude Bellingham moving into the number 10 role behind the striker.

Mourinho also has Bernardo Silva and Arda Guler as alternatives. Both possess considerable technical ability, although their strengths are more closely associated with attacking play. That is particularly true of Guler, who usually operates in areas closer to the opposition goal.

Camavinga remains another option, despite uncertainty over his future. He has not been a consistent first-choice player and wants to continue at Real Madrid, but if he stays, he is likely to be regarded as a secondary choice. His versatility is valuable, although he does not currently have a fixed or clearly defined role in midfield.