Real Madrid will sign a central midfielder this summer. A blunt statement — but one that echoes internal consensus: there’s a brainbox coming into the team.
Modrić’s departure is solely the club’s decision, part of a broader renewal plan - despite Luka agreeing to another pay cut and accepting a secondary role. Despite Xabi Alonso signalling that Modrić fit into his project. The club still declined to renew his contract and they believe it’s time for a generational shift. Full stop.
But that decision brings a clear consequence: a new signing is coming this summer.
And Madrid isn’t looking for a bargain. They’re ready to invest heavily in a true genius for their midfield. No free agents or budget deals — if it takes big money, so be it. They believe the time is now.
Rodrigo Hernández: the preferred option
The club’s top choice is Manchester City’s Rodrigo Hernández. He’s the favourite among the decision-makers — despite the serious injury he suffered (a torn ACL in his right knee on September 22, 2024). Still, the desire remains. This past Tuesday, he returned to action after 240 days on the sidelines — a total of seven months and 27 days.
Negotiating with Manchester City
Here’s where things get complicated. Rodrigo is 28, under contract until 2027. So the formula is simple in theory but complex in execution: Madrid must negotiate a transfer with Manchester City. No small feat.
Rodrigo has long shown interest in playing at the Bernabéu, but Madrid has lingering doubts about whether he’ll regain his former level after such a serious injury. In any case, any move would happen after the Club World Cup, giving the club time to assess calmly. His possible involvement in the Nations League Final Four will serve as a major indicator. The situation is active.
From Liverpool to Milan
Rodrigo isn’t the only name on the list. Alexis Mac Allister is also highly regarded at the club. But he would be expensive — around $100 million — and with a contract running until 2028, only a major financial outlay would be possible. Complicating things further are current relations with Liverpool, which, while not broken, are far from smooth following the Alexander-Arnold situation.
Then there’s Tijjani Reijnders. A talented, convincing option — but again, costly. He recently renewed with Milan until 2030. The price tag? Around $90 million. So once more, it’s either pay big or walk away.
Movement Around Enzo Fernández
Enzo Fernández remains on the radar, albeit lower on the list. Reports just hours ago suggest the player is very tempted by a move to Madrid. His entourage has already initiated contact with Chamartín, assessing the landscape and possible competition for playing time.
But this interest collides directly with Chelsea’s stance: he is non-transferable. They won’t entertain offers. Any deal would push well past the $100 million mark — too much, even for Madrid. They’re considering dragging out talks, but it may not be enough.
And here lies the major obstacle: the midfielders they like are prohibitively expensive. But that’s the market today. That’s football now. So Madrid is also looking at younger, lower-cost talents: Angelo Stiller and Hugo Larsson. Both play in the Bundesliga, both are internationals, and both would cost around $50 million.
But they’re gambles. Young, untested at the highest level — and you never know how the white shirt might weigh on them.
Stiller has been one of the Bundesliga’s biggest revelations with Stuttgart. A Champions League player, 1.83 meters tall, left-footed, more of a deep-lying playmaker than an attacking threat — a true organiser.
Larsson, by contrast, is more of a traditional No. 10 — attacking, right-footed, 1.87 meters tall, currently at Eintracht Frankfurt. Stiller is German; Larsson is Swedish. Both are highly rated. Both are on the list.
That’s the current picture. With Modrić leaving, the midfield is packed with muscle (Tchouaméni, Camavinga, Valverde…), but short on brains — short on that special touch to control the rhythm of Real Madrid.
The club knows it. They’ve set the wheels in motion. A central midfielder will be signed this summer. And if it requires a massive outlay, they’ll spend it. It’s necessary. It’s urgent. With Modrić gone, the casting call is still open. The operation is underway. In search of the lost maestro.