Atletico Madrid defensive midfielder Rodri is set to leave the Spanish capital at the end of the season, and Bayern Munich is a possible destination.
It’s been a season of ups and downs for Bayern Munich under new head coach Niko Kovac. The Bavarians have been inconsistent throughout the campaign, but they are still on track to win both domestic competitions — the Bundesliga and DFB Pokal.
A major part of Bayern’s struggles this season has stemmed from their reluctance to reinvigorate their aging squad in previous transfer windows. However, veterans like Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery are moving on at the end of this season, and Die Roten are set to initiate one of the biggest squad overhauls in the club’s history.
The Bayern board has already given a preview of what’s to come this summer by signing two World Cup-winning defenders. Benjamin Pavard will join from VfB Stuttgart for €35 million and will be accompanied by Atletico Madrid’s Lucas Hernandez for a record-breaking €80 million.
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Lucas might not be the only player leaving Los Rojoblancos for Munich, though. According to Spanish radio Cadena Ser (via sport.de), Bayern Munich are one of a few clubs hoping to sign defensive midfielder Rodrigo Hernandez (Rodri) from Atletico.
Although he just signed for Diego Simeone’s side last summer, Rodri is prepared to leave Madrid in the upcoming transfer window. Manchester City and Barcelona have shown great interest in the player, but the Bavarians are also in contention for the star midfielder with a €70 million release clause.
Perhaps the speculation of Bayern’s interest in Rodri is fueled by Hasan Salihamidzic’s recent mystery meeting in Madrid. The Bayern sporting director was rumored to be speaking with Julen Lopetegui about potentially coaching in Bavaria. Those reports were quickly denied, but Brazzo revealed he had in fact traveled to Madrid for an important meeting.
Furthermore, Niko Kovac has previously expressed his belief that Bayern need a world-class defensive midfielder if they hope to keep up with the rest of Europe’s elite. Rodri would fit the bill perfectly.
€70 million is rather steep, but it’s the price you have to pay in the current market for a player of Rodri’s caliber. It could honestly be argued that the fee is quite reasonable. With Bayern eager to build a young squad still capable of challenging for titles in the next few seasons, Rodri would be a great addition to the squad.
Of course, it’s all speculative right now. Until a more credible source picks up on the rumor, take it with a grain of salt. Also, keep in mind that Bayern have already spent a lot of money for the upcoming summer and still have to make significant additions in attack. Rodri might be a great buy, but he’s probably not as high a priority as some other moves.