Vinícius at the Limit: First Mbappé and Now Another Signing 'Pushes' Him Out of Real Madrid

The need to acquire the services of a playmaking pivot, a signing considered during the first weeks of 2025, has not disappeared. In any case, it may have increased after the elimination against Arsenal in the Champions League quarterfinals. The main candidate to fill that spot in Santiago Bernabéu locker room is Martín Zubimendi.

The '4' of Real Sociedad, according to information from French journalist Santi Aouna, has "prioritized" his move to the Merengue squad... instead of opting for Premier League sports projects like Liverpool or Arsenal. The Red entity and the Gunner squad are strongly interested in signing him.

But they haven't managed to completely overcome the fierce Madrid competition. That's why rumors about the search for a creative defensive midfielder in the Valdebebas offices are spreading so quickly. They even place names in the White orbit that have sparked the first reactions from Santiago Bernabéu locker room.

From the German newspaper BILD they indicate that the Merengue bosses "are interested in signing Rodri" as an option to effectively replace Toni Kroos. The German tabloid argues, at the same time, that "any move is unlikely" because the '16' Sky Blue is firmly established in the squad coached by Pep Guardiola. "He has no plans to leave," BILD states.

Surprise in the List of Future Prospects

Rodrigo Hernández's signing has caused some unease in the personal and professional environment of Vinícius Jr. Those closest to the São Gonçalo striker have immediately addressed these rumors, understanding that a player who has been involved in severe controversies with the Verdeamarelo striker would not be signed.

What happened at the end of October last year, at the Ballon d'Or gala, is another reason to reject any approach to Rodrigo. Because the Spanish midfielder not only won a prize, organized by UEFA and France Football, that many attributed to Vinícius himself. He was also one of the main instigators and participants in the mocking chants toward the Brazilian player at the party following the event.

These dispositions and behaviors, aside from sporting reasons, may have distanced Rodrigo Hernández from a hypothetical signing by Real Madrid. These rumors that have reached the tabloid BILD are unreliable gossip, coming from England, taking advantage of the irregular competitive moment of both teams involved: Real Madrid and Manchester City.

Because the Cityzen squad also has a significant generational renewal pending in its roster. The end of the cycle of the current Mancunian squad has Pep Guardiola very alert to the market, seeking generational talents to replace players like Kevin de Bruyne or Kyle Walker.