Rodri wants Real Madrid. Barça are left with “interest”
Barcelona reportedly showed interest in Rodri, and Manchester City were even open to discussing a move to Catalonia. There was only one small problem: the player prefers Real Madrid. According to Barca Blaugranes, talks between City and Los Blancos are already advanced, with a four-year contract under consideration.
It is hardly a surprising choice. Rodri was born in Madrid, came through Atlético’s academy and could now return to his hometown as a 30-year-old former Ballon d’Or winner and one of the leaders of Spain’s 2026 World Cup-winning team. Curiously, Real Madrid had no players in that squad. Florentino Pérez appears determined to correct that oversight immediately.
Barça can still claim a moral victory. They were interested, City supposedly did not mind, and Rodri’s name appeared next to the club badge for a while. No signing, but another transfer story that was apparently “very close.” Barcelona’s most reliable product this summer remains interest.
