Real Madrid’s Florentino Pérez Reportedly Rejects Rodri Hernández Move, Shifts Focus to Enzo Fernández

Madrid, Spain — In a surprising twist to the summer transfer narrative, Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez has reportedly declined the chance to pursue Manchester City stalwart Rodri Hernández and has instead placed Chelsea’s Enzo Fernández at the top of the club’s midfield wish-list, according to Radio Marca.

Rodri, 27, has re-established himself as one of Europe’s most complete midfielders, anchoring City’s engine room during their historic UEFA Champions League triumph. With a contract in Manchester running to 2027, the Spaniard had been floated as a potential high-profile returnee to La Liga, even hinting publicly that a move back to Spain “remains an option.” Those overtures appear to have fallen on deaf ears inside the Santiago Bernabéu boardroom.

Sources close to the negotiations indicate that Pérez views Rodri’s injury history and age profile as deterrents, opting to channel resources toward younger talent. The decision clears the path for Los Blancos to intensify their courtship of Enzo Fernández, the 25-year-old Argentine international who cost Chelsea €120 million only two seasons ago and is tied to Stamford Bridge until 2032.

Fernández has done little to quell speculation, telling influencer Marcos Giles during a live conversation that he “would like to live in Spain” and praising Madrid’s lifestyle. “It reminds me of Buenos Aires,” he said, adding that while he “manages in English,” he “would be better with Spanish.” The midfielder also hinted that his future will be “seen after the World Cup,” leaving the door ajar for a blockbuster switch.

Chelsea still regard Fernández as a “structural pillar,” club sources say, and are under no immediate pressure to sell their captain. Yet Real Madrid believe a protracted pursuit could force the player to push for an exit, potentially softening the Premier League side’s stance on a nine-figure fee.

Should negotiations stall, Madrid have prepared a multi-pronged fallback. Cadena SER reports that the club will activate the €9 million buy-back clause for Como 1907’s Nico Paz, whose performances in Serie A have marked him as a candidate for first-team minutes. Simultaneously, scouts have zeroed in on AZ Alkaar’s Kees Smit, valued at roughly €50 million, as another midfield reinforcement for the 2026–27 campaign.

The rejigged strategy underscores Madrid’s desire to refresh the engine room without compromising long-term financial stability. With veteran stalwarts and emerging prospects already on the books, Pérez is betting on a blend of youth, resale value, and immediate impact—an approach that now favors Fernández over Rodri, despite the latter’s proven pedigree on the European stage.

For now, Chelsea insist no formal talks have taken place, but the Argentine’s flirtation with the Spanish capital keeps the saga alive. Whether Fernández ends up in white or Madrid pivot once more toward Paz and Smit, the club’s midfield makeover looks set to dominate headlines well into the summer window.

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