Barcelona decision could clear Real Madrid path to Rodri

Barcelona have no plans to enter the race for a new midfielder this summer, a position that could leave the way open for Real Madrid to pursue Spain captain Rodri.

Barcelona’s sporting department and head coach Hansi Flick believe their squad already has sufficient options to cover the three midfield positions. According to Spanish newspaper Marca, Flick and sporting director Deco do not see a need to add another player in that area of the pitch.

That view has also influenced the future of Marc Casado, who has reportedly been advised to look for a new club during the summer transfer window. There is a strong possibility that the midfielder will leave Barcelona before the start of the new season.

Questions about Barcelona’s midfield plans increased after Frenkie de Jong suffered an injury. However, the concern over whether the club should strengthen in that position is understood to exist mainly among supporters and in the media, rather than within the club’s sporting leadership.

Rodri has emerged as a potential target amid the speculation. The Spain captain impressed at the last World Cup and has become one of the most prominent names linked with a possible midfield move.

Barcelona’s decision not to pursue a new midfielder is based on three main considerations. The club believes it already has enough players in the position, regards the financial cost of signing Rodri as too high and expects Real Madrid to be the player’s most likely destination.

The potential fee for Rodri could reach about 70m euros, a figure Barcelona do not consider reasonable for a player who would primarily be brought in to cover De Jong during his injury absence. The Catalan club also has other priorities in the transfer market.

Strengthening the attack is regarded as Barcelona’s main objective, while improving the defence is considered a secondary need. With those areas judged more urgent, the club is unwilling to commit a fee of around 70m euros to a midfield signing, particularly when its current options are viewed as sufficient.

That stance means Barcelona are unlikely to challenge Real Madrid for Rodri, despite the player’s quality and the attention surrounding his future. Rather than competing for the Spain captain, Barcelona’s leadership appears to believe that Madrid is the destination most likely to appeal to him.

The club’s position is therefore shaped not only by its assessment of the current squad, but also by the wider demands of the transfer window. Barcelona do not regard a temporary replacement for De Jong as a logical use of their resources, while the expected cost of the deal further reduces the likelihood of a move.

As a result, Rodri’s possible transfer is increasingly being viewed through the prism of Real Madrid, with Barcelona’s decision to remain outside the market removing one potential rival from the process.