Real Madrid adjusts midfield strategy following Rodri's transfer decision

Real Madrid is undergoing significant roster shifts following the decision by Manchester City's Rodri to join Barcelona instead of the Spanish club. In response, manager José Mourinho is evaluating different midfield solutions. During a recent friendly against Ferencváros, Bernardo Silva's experiment as a defensive midfielder was unsuccessful due to physical conditioning issues, leading Mourinho to move him to an attacking role.

Reports indicate that Real Madrid has identified Juventus captain Manuel Locatelli as a potential midfield target to provide stability and ball progression. Additionally, the club's transfer strategy involves managing existing players; defender Raúl Asensio may be sold to Olympique Marseille as Mourinho does not include him in his immediate plans. Meanwhile, midfielder Thiago Pitarch is expected to remain with the squad despite injury concerns.