Real Madrid eye €30m Ajax star as Rodri nears Barcelona move

Real Madrid are activating a contingency plan in the transfer market after conceding that Manchester City midfielder Rodri is increasingly likely to join their arch-rivals Barcelona. The Spanish international was a priority target for the Santiago Bernabeu hierarchy, but the club has now been forced to shift its focus.

According to Fichajes, Madrid have turned their attention to 18-year-old Ajax sensation Jorthy Mokio. Scouts from the Spanish capital are convinced that the versatile defensive midfielder possesses the physical attributes and growth potential necessary to succeed in La Liga.

Pivoting to Mokio marks a significant departure from Madrid's original transfer strategy. While the pursuit of Rodri focused on securing a finished product, the move for the Ajax teenager is viewed as a long-term investment. Despite his youth, Mokio has already established himself in Amsterdam, recording 48 senior appearances and six goals by April 2026.

However, securing the youngster will not be simple. Ajax are under no immediate financial pressure, and Mokio is tied down to a contract running until June 2031. While a €30 million valuation has been floated, the Dutch giants may demand a significantly higher premium for their academy graduate.

Los Blancos intend to pause formal negotiations until Rodri's move to Catalonia is officially confirmed. Once that deal is finalized, Madrid are expected to accelerate their pursuit of Mokio, aligning with their long-standing policy of signing elite teenage talents before their market value increases.