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Real Madrid have identified a €30 million alternative to Rodri as the Manchester City midfielder moves closer to a surprise transfer to Barcelona.

Florentino Perez is prepared to turn to one of the Eredivisie's emerging talents after accepting that his pursuit of Manchester City's midfield lynchpin is unlikely to succeed. With Rodri reportedly favouring a sensational move to Barcelona, Los Blancos are now getting ready to make a move for 18-year-old prodigy Jorthy Mokio.

Madrid's midfield rethink

Real Madrid have put a €30 million backup plan into action after acknowledging that Rodri is increasingly likely to join arch-rivals Barcelona. The Spain international had been Perez's top target to bring experienced leadership and tactical control to the midfield at the Santiago Bernabeu.

But with Rodri reportedly choosing the sporting project at Camp Nou, Madrid have quickly shifted direction. Their attention has now switched to 18-year-old Ajax wonderkid Mokio, according to Fichajes. Scouts from Los Blancos are convinced that the versatile defensive midfielder has the physical qualities and huge development potential needed to flourish in La Liga.

A shift in transfer strategy

Turning to Mokio marks a major change in Madrid's initial transfer approach. While Rodri would have arrived as a proven, €60m-plus finished article, the Ajax teenager is being seen as a long-term investment.

In spite of his age, Mokio already has an eye-catching record at the Johan Cruyff Arena. By the time he signed his latest contract extension in April 2026, the youngster had already made 48 official senior appearances and scored six goals for the Amsterdam giants. His capacity to play in several tactical roles has further boosted his attraction for the Madrid hierarchy.

Ajax hold all the cards

Taking Mokio away from the Eredivisie will not be easy. Ajax are under no immediate financial pressure to sell their highly rated academy graduate, who remains firmly under contract until 30 June, 2031.

Although €30m is the opening valuation being mentioned by figures close to the Spanish capital, the Dutch club could comfortably ask for more for one of their prized assets. Madrid will need to put forward a convincing proposal to persuade both the player and Ajax to approve a transfer so soon after his recent renewal.

Waiting on the Rodri domino

Los Blancos are set to hold off on any formal talks for Mokio until Rodri's proposed move to Barca is officially confirmed. Once the City midfielder's transfer to Catalonia is completed, Real Madrid are expected to step up discussions with Ajax. Signing Mokio would fit perfectly with Madrid's long-running and successful strategy of recruiting elite teenage talent before their market value rises sharply.