Few transfer stories have generated more attention in Spain this summer. Rodri, Manchester City’s midfielder, 2024 Ballon d’Or winner and 2026 World Cup Golden Ball winner, has reportedly chosen Barcelona over Real Madrid as his preferred destination.
The decision adds another twist to one of soccer’s biggest rivalries. Rodri has strong ties to Spain’s World Cup-winning squad, while several of his international teammates already play for Barcelona.
Reports say Rodri spoke with Barcelona coach Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco before indicating his preference for the Catalan club. However, the transfer is not complete: Manchester City have rejected Barcelona’s opening offer, and negotiations over a fee remain unresolved.
Rodri turns away from Real Madrid
Real Madrid held serious talks with Rodri after Spain’s World Cup victory, with José Mourinho involved in the club’s efforts to sign the Manchester City midfielder. Reports in Spain said Madrid made a strong offer and treated the negotiations as a major priority.
Rodri ultimately informed Real Madrid that he had chosen another option and thanked the club for the way it handled the negotiations. His representative praised Madrid’s professionalism and respect during the talks.
Rodri has since emerged as Barcelona’s preferred midfield target and has reportedly agreed personal terms with the Catalan club. Barcelona has opened negotiations with Manchester City, but City rejected their first bid, and no transfer agreement has been completed.
Barcelona’s late push wins Rodri’s interest
Barcelona stepped up their pursuit after Real Madrid’s talks with Rodri stalled. The Manchester City midfielder spoke with Barcelona coach Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco about a potential move before reportedly choosing Barça as his preferred destination.
Barcelona’s style is widely viewed as a natural tactical fit for Rodri, who spent years playing under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Reports in Spain also cited the presence of several of Rodri’s World Cup-winning international teammates at Barcelona as an important attraction.
Rodri has reportedly agreed on personal terms with Barça, but the transfer remains unfinished because Barcelona and Manchester City have yet to agree on a fee.
Real Madrid’s costly hesitation explained
Reports in Spain indicate that Real Madrid waited until after the World Cup to intensify its pursuit of Rodri because the club wanted greater certainty about his fitness following his serious knee injury. Barcelona, by contrast, had been monitoring his situation earlier.
Madrid eventually made a strong offer and involved José Mourinho in the discussions, but Rodri chose Barcelona as his preferred option. The exact reasons behind that decision have not been publicly detailed by Rodri himself.
Rodri’s representative, Pablo Barquero, praised Real Madrid’s conduct during the negotiations, describing the club as highly professional. Even so, Barcelona still needs to reach an agreement with Manchester City before any transfer can be completed.
The money behind this blockbuster move
Barcelona’s opening offer for Rodri was worth about €45 million, but Manchester City rejected it. City is seeking at least £60 million, with ESPN reporting that the club values Rodri at more than €70 million.
As of Aug. 9, Barcelona and Manchester City are not closing in on an agreed €60 million transfer. Talks remain unresolved, and Barcelona is expected to consider an improved offer.
Rodri has reportedly agreed on personal terms with Barcelona, but reliable sources have not confirmed an official salary figure. Any move remains dependent on Barcelona reaching a transfer agreement with Manchester City.
Rodri’s elite form backs the hype
Rodri has remained one of Manchester City’s most influential midfielders when healthy. Sofascore listed his average rating at 7.95 for 2023-24 and around 7.3 for 2025-26.
He missed most of the 2024-25 campaign after suffering an ACL injury and undergoing surgery on his knee. He later returned to top-level competition and captained Spain to the 2026 World Cup title.
Rodri was awarded the 2026 World Cup Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player, completing a major comeback from his knee injury.
Little-known fact: Rodri became the first Manchester City player to win the Ballon d’Or when he took the award in 2024. He was also the first Spanish men’s winner since Luis Suárez in 1960.
Reuniting with Spain’s World Cup heroes
Barcelona’s locker room already features a striking number of Spain’s World Cup-winning squad, making the club feel much less like a completely foreign project and more like a natural extension of the national team.
Rodri would join teammates including Pedri, Gavi, and Lamine Yamal, players he has battled alongside for several years, easing any concerns about chemistry, communication, or adapting to a brand-new dressing-room culture.
Madrid-born Rodri rejects Real Madrid
Rodri was born in Madrid, giving his reported decision to choose Barcelona over Real Madrid an added edge of rivalry. However, describing Real Madrid as his “hometown club” is misleading.
Rodri grew up supporting Atlético Madrid and spent several years in Atlético’s youth academy before continuing his development at Villarreal. He later returned to Atlético’s senior team before joining Manchester City in 2019.
His Madrid roots still give the Barcelona-versus-Real Madrid transfer battle extra local significance, but Rodri is not a Real Madrid academy product or a player historically identified with the club.
What a Rodri move could mean for La Liga
If Barcelona completes a deal for Rodri, the move would add one of Spain’s most accomplished midfielders to Hansi Flick’s squad while denying Real Madrid one of its leading transfer targets.
A move could also add another storyline to future Clásicos after Rodri reportedly rejected Madrid’s offer in favor of Barcelona. For now, however, he remains a Manchester City player, and no transfer fee has been agreed.
Barcelona and Rodri have reportedly agreed on personal terms, but Manchester City rejected Barça’s opening bid, and current negotiations remain unresolved.
Little-known fact: During the 2020 pandemic shutdown, Rodri used his additional time to study for his university degree in Management and Business Administration while continuing his football training.
TL;DR
- Rodri has reportedly chosen Barcelona over Real Madrid, despite an “unrefusable” offer from Los Blancos.
- Real Madrid’s hesitation reportedly let Barcelona swoop in and lock down his commitment first.
- The transfer fee is reported at around €60 million.
- Rodri is set for a 4-year deal worth about €30 million annually.
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This article was made with AI assistance and human editing.
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