Forget Rodri! Real Madrid's perfect midfielder plays for Brighton

24 Aug 2026 17:03 BST | 4 min read

Jose Mourinho, Rodri, Real Madrid — © IMAGO

Tom Weber | Writer

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Real Madrid may have missed out on the signing of Rodri, but the last word on the club's search for a new midfielder has not yet been spoken.

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Sorting out the engine room was one of Real Madrid's biggest priorities heading into the summer, yet we're nearing the end of August, and precious little has changed. Only Bernardo Silva has joined as a midfield reinforcement.

The same players who have underperformed in recent years are still at the club, while the most glaring issue - the lack of a Toni Kroos-style controller - remains unaddressed.

Current ETV

Rodri

DM, M (C)

Barcelona

Rodri

DM, M (C)

Barcelona

ETV Range

€53.3M - €65.1M

Real Madrid looked to be on the verge of finally finding a solution when they agreed personal terms with then-Man City superstar Rodri, but they came away empty-handed, with the World Cup winner instead opting to join El Clasico rivals Barcelona.

It seems that the signing of a major midfield reinforcement has all but been ruled out. They could yet bring in Racing Santander sensation Sergio Martinez, but he would be one for the future and is expected to initially train with the Castilla team.

Could Real Madrid make a move for Ayari?

However, if Real Madrid are really serious about fixing their midfield issues immediately, then they should consider a move for Brighton star Yasin Ayari, who impressed at the World Cup this summer.

Gazzetta dello Sport reports that AS Roma are interested in the 22-year-old and notes that it is unlikely that he is currently unwilling to sign a contract extension at Brighton. This is a crucial bit of information as his terms expire next year.

As a result, it doesn't seem far-fetched to suggest that the Seagulls would entertain offers for the Sweden international - despite the fact that they have lost Carlos Baleba to Man Utd.

Ayari has started both of Brighton's competitive matches so far in this nascent season, but it is suggested that they could be willing to sell for around €45 million this summer.

Of course, Ayari is not near the level of Rodri, nor is he necessarily the same type of player - he is more attack-minded - but at that price, he could be a worthwhile investment given that he still has significant room for improvement.

Indeed, according to SciSports, an analytics firm that calculates skill level and potential based on hundreds of in-game data points, Ayari could eventually outgrow every one of Real Madrid's current midfielders - at least in terms of their current ability (Eduardo Camavinga has higher potential).

What's more, SciSports believes that Ayari would be an ideal fit for Real Madrid, as per the company's Career Advice tool, which calculates a Club Fit rating by analysing playing style, potential game time and development prospects.

Real Madrid are Ayari's joint-second-best option, only behind Juventus. Los Blancos clock in with a good score of 80, making them his most attractive possible destination, alongside the Bianconeri, if he wants to take a legitimate step up in his career.

Nottingham Forest and Newcastle also have decent ratings, but neither would be a genuine upgrade on Brighton. Ayari may not be the most obvious Real Madrid signing - but he could be a shrewd one.