Atletico Madrid midfielder Rodri (Rodrigo Hernández Cascante) has told his decision to leave the Spanish club this summer transfer window. The Spanish international has a €70m (5.45billion) buyout clause and has been linked to Premier League champions Manchester City and German leaders Bayern Munich. Paul Pogba Transfer News Update: Star Midfielder Hints at Leaving Manchester United Football Club This Summer.
The 22-year-old was given one week to consider his future after it was confirmed that both City and Bundesliga winners Munich were willing to activate his release clause. Reports claimed that Rodri and his representatives have informed Atletico club president Angel Gil Marin of his desire to leave the club and look elsewhere. Atletico Madrid Transfer News: Antoine Griezmann, Lucas Hernandez, Rodri & More in the Confirmed and Rumoured List of Footballers Exiting Rojiblancos.
Manchester City in Talks With Rodri
Man City are ready to pay the clause for Rodri and are in talks with the player. Bayern also contacted him weeks ago. Now Rodri’s priority is to speake with Man City about the contract... if he’ll refuse, then it will be Bayern time. Until the player decides, nothing is done 😄
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 18, 2019
Manchester City Will Pay the Buyout Clause For Rodri
Manchester City will pay the €70M release clause to sign Rodri from Atletico Madrid, reports @FabrizioRomano pic.twitter.com/j9LcwJ2HiF
— B/R Football (@brfootball) June 18, 2019
Manchester City are said to have an upper-hand on the player with Rodri personally interested to join Pep Guardiola at City. The English club are also looking seeking competition and eventual replacement for experienced midfielder Fernandinho. While City had made Rodri their top-midfield target, Bayern Munich were also keen on signing him as part of their complete summer renovation.
Rodri had joined Atletico for €25m (1.94billion) from Villarreal in 2018 and has already 47 appearances for the Spanish club across all competitions scoring three goals and providing one assist. The defensive-midfielder won the 2018 Super Cup with the Rojiblancos. He came up through the Villarreal academy and played 84 games across all competitions for them. He scored two goals during his time with the Yellow Submarines.
Atletico Madrid are set to lose a host of key players this season with Antoine Griezmann, Diego Godin and Lucas Hernandez all leaving the club this transfer window.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 18, 2019 05:26 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).