Barcelona are reportedly exploring a deal to sign Manchester City midfielder Rodri, with the player understood to prefer a move to Camp Nou. This development comes as Real Madrid’s negotiations to sign the midfielder have stalled.
Sources indicate that Barcelona has held discussions with Rodri’s representatives regarding a potential transfer. The midfielder’s preference is reportedly to join Barcelona this summer over other clubs. The club’s project is said to appeal to Rodri due to its footballing style and the prospect of reuniting with eight members of Spain’s World Cup winning squad.
Interest from Spanish Giants
Real Madrid had been working on a deal for Rodri, operating under the assumption that an agreement could be reached for the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner. While personal terms with the midfielder were not expected to be an issue for Madrid, negotiations with Manchester City regarding a transfer fee had not been finalised. Madrid remains interested in the Spain international, despite being aware of Barcelona’s pursuit.
Rodri is in the final 12 months of his contract with Manchester City. The club is aware of the interest from both Spanish clubs, and previous reports suggested he has shown little willingness to extend his current terms. Manchester City is thought to be open to allowing him to leave for approximately £60m.
The 30-year-old midfielder, who won the Golden Ball for the World Cup’s best player, has expressed a desire to return to Spain and play in La Liga again during his career. He also highlighted the appeal of representing Madrid in April’s international break.
Squad Adjustments and Financial Considerations
Barcelona’s interest in Rodri has intensified after midfielder Frenkie de Jong suffered a knee injury, which is expected to sideline him for several months. De Jong tore the medial collateral ligament in his right knee and is currently undergoing a conservative treatment plan that could take up to four months to recover. If this treatment is unsuccessful, surgery would be an option, restarting the recovery process.
This injury opens up a spot in the holding midfield role. While La Masia talent Marc Bernal, 19, is currently in line to play there, Rodri would represent a significant upgrade for Hansi Flick’s squad. Bernal also needed a re-adaptation to competitive football last season after a severe knee injury in 2024.
To facilitate a deal for Rodri, Barcelona would need to sell players to create financial flexibility. The club’s financial position is expected to improve due to their return to Camp Nou and the departure of players with high wages, such as Robert Lewandowski. However, the ongoing redevelopment of Camp Nou will require the club to temporarily relocate next summer, potentially impacting matchday revenues.
Real Madrid, who have agreed to a club record fee of £115m for RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande, are also in negotiations with Vinícius Júnior for a contract extension. To sign Rodri as well, Real Madrid may need to offload players, with Aurélien Tchouaméni and Eduardo Camavinga identified as possible departures.
Rodri’s Profile and Potential Fit
Rodri played a crucial role in Spain’s 2026 World Cup victory, captaining his side in all eight games and receiving the Golden Ball award. He was also named player of the tournament when Spain won the European Championship in 2024.
Since joining Manchester City from Atletico in 2019, Rodri has made 298 appearances, scoring 28 goals and providing 32 assists. During his seven years at the club, he has won four Premier League titles, the FA Cup twice, the League Cup on three occasions, and the Champions League in 2023, where he scored the winning goal in the final.
Analysis suggests that Barcelona’s tactical identity under Hansi Flick is stylistically similar to Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, which could provide a stable environment for Rodri’s skillset. His ability to dictate play, combined with his defensive positioning and tackling, would seamlessly fit into Flick’s midfield. Madrid also seeks to control possession but has increasingly relied on quick counter-attacks in recent seasons.
In other transfer news, Barcelona has pursued Atletico Madrid forward Julián Alvarez throughout the summer, but Atletico continues to insist the Argentina striker is not for sale. Barcelona’s sporting director, Deco, met with Alvarez’s representatives on Wednesday in the Spanish capital. Ferran Torres, who scored the winning goal for Spain in the World Cup final against Argentina, is in the final year of his contract at Barcelona and is awaiting talks regarding an extension.
Source: theguardian.com