Good news for Man City? Real Madrid told there's a new Rodri in LaLiga

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Tom Weber | Writer

Multilingual sports writer who specialises in European football and American soccer.

Real Madrid are chasing the signature of Manchester City star Rodri, but Villarreal believe that they already have the second coming of the Spain hero in the pipeline.

Los Blancos have made the 30-year-old their top midfield target after watching him lead Spain to their second World Cup title, which saw him duly rewarded with the tournament's Golden Ball.

Real Madrid's rekindling of their interest in Rodri was not just catalysed by his performances on the biggest stage but also by his unambiguous desire to return to Spain and his hometown.

The 2024 Ballon d'Or winner is a Madrid native and previously played for Atletico Madrid. He already has an agreement with Real Madrid, although there has yet to be a breakthrough in club-to-club talks, as Man City are reluctant to lose their star midfielder.

Real Madrid may have to pay north of €70 million to secure his signature to prise him away from City this summer. They could alternatively wait a year and let him run down his contract, but they really want him now.

There's a new Rodri in LaLiga

Los Blancos have rehired Jose Mourinho with the clear objective of ending their trophy drought as soon as possible. The Portuguese legend has assembled a team of quality veterans and is not paying too much attention to youth.

Of course, Real Madrid have signed Carlos Espi, and they are on the verge of snapping up Yan Diomande, both of whom are very young, but these deals are outliers. It has mostly been about experience for Mourinho, which is a risky approach because his team isn't built to last.

That's why Real Madrid are likely to overlook the "new Rodri" currently developing in LaLiga, even though he could potentially save them from spending big on a 30-year-old.

The player in question is Carlos Macia, who is becoming the talk of the town at Villarreal. The 17-year-old, who made his senior debut last season, has starred for the Yellow Submarine in pre-season this summer.

It was Villarreal who gave Rodri his big break, and according to Mundo Deportivo, they are confident that Macia could develop into a similarly elite defensive midfielder.

Born in Elche, the teenager only joined Villarreal's youth setup last year. Macia left such an impression after his arrival that he was promoted to the first team in December. After making four appearances over the festive period, he dropped back down to the reserves.

He got another taste of LaLiga football against Atletico Madrid on the final matchday of the season, and he is now a full-time member of the senior squad under new coach Inigo Perez.

Villarreal have had an understated transfer window so far, making it clear that they are counting on Macia and the other players already at the club. The above-mentioned outlet describes him thus: "Standing at 1.94 meters tall, he surprises with his agility and ease of play on the ball.

"He stands out for his tactical intelligence far above average and for a reading of the game that allows him to always anticipate everyone else's moves a split second. In short, he is a footballer who, despite being only 17 years old, plays like a veteran."

The report adds that Macia has already attracted the attention of numerous clubs. In fact, Villarreal's CEO recently claimed that he could have sold the youngster "for a huge amount of money" this summer. However, he is considered untouchable and expected to stay at La Ceramica.

A new Rodri is developing right under the nose of Mourinho - but the Real Madrid coach is chasing the real thing rather than betting on the future.