Manchester City midfielder Rodri is facing a significant decision regarding his future, with interest from La Liga clubs Real Madrid and Barcelona. Rodri is in the final year of his contract with City and has not yet agreed to new terms.
Real Madrid has maintained a long-standing interest in the player. More recently, Barcelona has also reportedly entered the race for his signature, though sources from Barcelona have distanced themselves from such discussions. Rodri’s preference is reportedly to join Barcelona over any other club this summer.
Rodri missed a substantial part of the 2024-25 season due to a serious knee injury, and a hamstring issue also affected parts of the previous season. However, he was recognised as the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner and was named player of the tournament when Spain won the European Championship in 2024. He also captained Spain in all eight games of their World Cup campaign.
Rodri had previously indicated that his future would be resolved after the tournament. He is currently recovering from back surgery and has not yet joined his teammates on their pre-season tour in the Far East.
Spanish clubs pursue Rodri
Sources close to negotiations indicate that Barcelona has engaged in discussions with Rodri’s representatives regarding the potential terms of a deal. The Barcelona project is believed to appeal to Rodri due to its footballing style and the prospect of reuniting with several members of Spain’s World Cup-winning squad, including Joan Garcia, Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, Gavi, Dani Olmo, Pedri, Ferran Torres, and Lamine Yamal.
Real Madrid has been working on a deal for Rodri, with personal terms not expected to be an obstacle. However, negotiations with Manchester City over a transfer fee are still pending. Real Madrid remains interested in the Spain international, despite Barcelona’s pursuit.
Barcelona’s interest comes as midfielder Frenkie de Jong is expected to be out for an extended period after sustaining a medial collateral ligament tear in his right knee. To facilitate a deal for Rodri, Barcelona would likely need to sell players to improve their financial position.
Rodri has previously expressed a desire to return to his home country and play in La Liga again during his career. He also acknowledged the appeal of representing Madrid. He played for Atletico Madrid earlier in his career before joining Manchester City in 2019.
Impact of a potential departure
Manchester City sources have indicated they are counting on Rodri for the upcoming season. Any consideration of a sale would require a significant transfer fee. Rodri has been a key player for City, contributing to four Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and the Champions League in 2023, where he scored the winning goal in the final. He has made 298 appearances for City, with 28 goals and 32 assists.
The potential departure of Rodri, following Bernardo Silva’s move to Real Madrid this summer, would be a considerable blow for Manchester City. The club would need players like Mateo Kovacic, Nico Gonzalez, or Tijjani Reijnders to step up. Elliot Anderson is expected to be a starter, and a significant void would need to be filled alongside the England international.
City is also in talks to sign Ayyoub Bouaddi, an 18-year-old midfielder from Lille, but filling Rodri’s role would be a substantial challenge for the Moroccan teenager. The midfielder’s contract situation and the interest from top Spanish clubs suggest a pivotal period ahead for his career.
The tactical identity of Barcelona under Hansi Flick, which has seen two successful seasons, is considered stylistically similar to Pep Guardiola’s City. This could allow Rodri to adapt smoothly, continuing his role of dictating play, spraying passes, and protecting the midfield. Real Madrid, while also controlling possession, has leaned more towards quick counter-attacking in recent seasons, which might require Rodri to cover more ground defensively.
Barcelona’s financial situation has been a recurring question in transfer dealings. However, the club anticipates being in a better position regarding their La Liga salary limit due to their return to the Camp Nou, increased income, and the departure of players like Robert Lewandowski. The club also plans significant investments this summer, despite upcoming redevelopment works at the Camp Nou that will impact matchday revenues in the 2027-2028 season.
Rodri’s decision on whether to sign a new deal with City, become a free agent next summer, or pursue a return to Spain with either Barcelona or Real Madrid remains a key point of discussion.
Source: bbc.com
