English Premier League
Barcelona move for Rodri leaves Real Madrid facing a major transfer setback
Barcelona have moved ahead of Real Madrid in the race to sign Manchester City midfielder Rodri, after the Spain international reportedly rejected a move to the Santiago Bernabeu.
Real Madrid had been viewed as the leading contenders to bring Rodri back to the Spanish capital, but Barcelona have changed the direction of the transfer battle in recent days. The Camp Nou is now considered the more likely destination for the Ballon d’Or winner in a deal that could become one of the most significant moves of recent seasons.
The proposed transfer is expected to be completed for less than Rodri’s market value because he has only one year remaining on his contract with Manchester City. That situation has created an opportunity for Barcelona and has made the midfielder an especially attractive target despite his importance to the Premier League club.
According to Goal, Rodri has made his preference clear by choosing Barcelona ahead of Real Madrid. His decision comes despite widespread expectations that Real Madrid held a strong advantage in the pursuit of the Manchester City player.
Real Madrid had revived their long-standing interest in Rodri after the midfielder produced a series of impressive performances for Spain at the World Cup. The club were believed to be in a favourable position to secure his return to the Spanish capital, but Barcelona worked quietly behind the scenes and have now apparently moved closer to completing the deal.
The outcome would represent a major blow to Real Madrid, who had been regarded as the natural favourites to sign Rodri. Instead, the player is now approaching a possible move to Barcelona, raising the prospect of him wearing the Catalan club’s colours rather than the famous white shirt of the “Merengues”.
A transfer to the Camp Nou would also rank among the most notable recent deals between the two Spanish giants’ wider transfer landscape. Rodri’s choice of Barcelona over Real Madrid would underline the extent to which the Catalan club has altered the situation in only a few days.
The financial terms are expected to reflect the final year of Rodri’s Manchester City contract. With only one season left on that agreement, Barcelona are expected to pursue the opportunity at a relatively low fee, making the potential deal one that would be difficult to ignore.
Although the move has not been presented as completed, the latest reports suggest the transfer race has taken a decisive turn. Real Madrid’s hopes of securing Rodri have been weakened, while Barcelona have emerged as the club closest to signing the Ballon d’Or winner.
