Real Madrid Earmark €100m for Rodri and Schlotterbeck as Klopp Deal Nears

Real Madrid have mapped out their opening summer spending, with Rodri and Nico Schlotterbeck firmly in their sights as Jurgen Klopp edges closer to the manager's office at the Bernabéu.

The Spanish giants have earmarked €100m for the Manchester City midfielder and Borussia Dortmund centre-back, according to reports, as they plot their first moves in the transfer market. Both players have been on Madrid's radar for some time, though the club's pursuit is now entering a more concrete phase.

Klopp's imminent arrival represents a significant shift at the club following January's upheaval. Real Madrid dispensed with Xabi Alonso at the start of the month after their Spanish Super Cup final defeat to Barcelona, swiftly bringing in Alvaro Arbeloa as caretaker. However, the former Liverpool manager's appointment appears to signal a fresh direction for the Spanish outfit.

According to reports, Klopp has already given his blessing to the move, with the understanding that certain players will depart to make way for his vision. Dani Carvajal and Eduardo Camavinga are among those expected to leave, clearing the decks for the German tactician's overhaul.

The pursuit of Rodri represents an ambitious statement of intent. Pep Guardiola offered an insight into the midfielder's current form in a Friday press conference, noting his recent consistency after periods of disruption. "Finally it's happening like we wanted a long time ago, when he came back, to not have setbacks, have consistency to play, play, and play," Guardiola reflected, though he acknowledged the toll of City's demanding schedule with European and domestic commitments.

Schlotterbeck, meanwhile, has been under close scrutiny from Madrid's scouts. Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Real Madrid representatives attended Bayern Munich's recent clash with Dortmund specifically to monitor the German defender's performance. The 24-year-old is out of contract in summer 2027, giving Madrid flexibility in their approach, though no formal bid or negotiations have yet materialised.

"Real Madrid people were in attendance for Bayern vs Dortmund to follow the performance of Schlotterbeck," Romano stated, adding that the defender is aware of Madrid's interest. "Schlotterbeck is aware of Real Madrid interest, and he knows it's a possibility for the summer."

Onda Cero journalist Alberto Pereiro confirmed the pair's status as Madrid's opening targets, stating on Radioestadio: "The first 100 million from Madrid this summer go to sign Rodrigo and Schlotterbeck."

While Romano cautioned that negotiations remain in their infancy, the groundwork is clearly being laid for what could prove a transformative summer at the Bernabéu.