Real Madrid seem optimistic about securing Rodri’s signature this summer, as expectations grow that the Spain skipper is poised to return to his hometown.
The 2024 Ballon d’Or recipient has entered the final 12 months of his contract at Manchester City, triggering significant interest from top European clubs, with PSG, Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid all being connected to the midfielder.
It comes as no surprise that Rodri has attracted so much attention following his stellar displays at the 2026 World Cup in North America, where he lifted the trophy as Spain won the competition for the second time in their history.
As the transfer window progresses, the 30-year-old seems solely intent on moving back to La Liga to don the iconic white shirt of Real Madrid; nevertheless, just as the transfer nears completion, a new contender has reportedly joined the hunt.
Reports from AS Diario claim that Madrid’s El Clasico rivals have jumped into the mix in an attempt to persuade the four-time Premier League champion to head to Barcelona instead.
The Catalan club are seeking midfield reinforcements following a lengthy injury blow to Frenkie de Jong, prompting them to contact Man City regarding a potential transfer.
Although Barcelona are the reigning La Liga champions and present an appealing prospect for the Spanish captain, he is understood to be focused exclusively on one location: the Bernabeu.
The report notes that even as the Catalan outfit made inquiries about acquiring Rodri, they were already fully conscious of the player’s primary preference.
Although Barcelona view this as a key area to strengthen in light of De Jong’s absence, the club possesses multiple academy-reared midfield options capable of filling in seamlessly for the Dutch international, such as Marc Bernal and Marc Casado.
In the meantime, indications suggest they are placing greater priority on securing Joao Cancelo and recruiting a forward to replace Robert Lewandowski, who left the club this summer to join MLS team Chicago Fire.
