Barcelona have reportedly moved into pole position to sign Manchester City superstar Rodri Hernández, with the Spanish midfielder now understood to favour a move to Camp Nou.
According to MARCA, Fabrice Hawkins and Fabrizio Romano, Rodri has already agreed personal terms with Barcelona, while negotiations between the two clubs are now underway.
The Athletic has also reported that Barcelona are Rodri’s preferred destination.
It represents a major development in one of the biggest transfer stories of the summer.
Real Madrid Are Not Out Yet
Real Madrid remain interested in Rodri and are still considered part of the race for his signature.
However, Barcelona appear to have gained a significant advantage.
With the player reportedly leaning towards the Catalan giants, Madrid may need to make another major push if they want to convince Rodri to choose the Bernabéu instead.
Talks between Rodri and Real Madrid had reportedly stalled, giving Barcelona an opportunity to accelerate their pursuit.
De Jong Injury Changes Barcelona’s Plans
Barcelona’s interest in Rodri is understood to have intensified following Frenkie de Jong’s knee injury.
The situation has increased the club’s desire to reinforce the centre of midfield, and Rodri would represent a statement signing for a Barcelona side looking to strengthen an already star-studded squad.
Manchester City, however, are unlikely to let one of their most important players leave cheaply.
According to The Guardian, the Premier League club could demand around $81 million for the midfielder.
Rodri’s contract runs until June 2027, meaning he is entering the final year of his current deal.
That could leave Manchester City with a major decision to make: sell one of their biggest stars this summer, or risk seeing his transfer value fall significantly as his contract approaches its expiry date.
From Ballon d’Or Winner to World Champion
Rodri would arrive in Barcelona with one of the strongest résumés in world football.
After winning the 2024 Ballon d’Or, the midfielder captained Spain to glory at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
He was also named the tournament’s best player, taking home the Golden Ball after another dominant campaign at the heart of Spain’s midfield.
Rodri joined Manchester City from Atlético Madrid in 2019 and has since established himself as one of the defining midfielders of his generation.
The 30-year-old is currently recovering from back surgery, but that has done little to cool interest in his future.
Barcelona are now leading the race.
And unless Real Madrid respond, one of Spain’s biggest stars could soon be heading to Camp Nou.
