Real Madrid's midfield search may be hitting a dead end, as reports suggest that Manchester City's Ballon d'Or winner Rodri Hernandez is edging closer to signing a new deal at the Etihad, effectively slamming the door on a move to the Santiago Bernabeu.

The Spanish giants have been on the hunt for a midfield maestro since Toni Kroos's departure, leaving a gap that players like Eduardo Camavinga, Fede Valverde, and Jude Bellingham have struggled to fill consistently. Rodri, fresh off his 2024 Ballon d'Or triumph, was initially seen as the perfect solution—a proven winner with Premier League and international pedigree. However, an anterior cruciate ligament injury last summer put those plans on ice, and Real Madrid's interest has since cooled.

According to transfer insider Matteo Moretto, Manchester City are in advanced talks with Rodri over a contract extension, aiming to secure his future before the upcoming World Cup. If signed, this would all but extinguish any hope Real Madrid had of landing the 28-year-old. Crucially, Los Blancos have not made any official contact with City regarding a transfer, nor have they submitted a formal bid.

With Rodri seemingly off the table, Real Madrid's midfield dilemma remains unresolved. The club has been linked with a handful of alternatives, including Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez, Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister, and AZ Alkmaar's rising star Kees Smit. Yet, no clear frontrunner has emerged, leaving the Bernabeu faithful wondering who—if anyone—will step up to fill the void this summer.

For now, it looks like the midfield rebuild at Real Madrid will have to take a different path, while Rodri continues to anchor City's engine room for the foreseeable future.