Olmo reveals the story behind Rodri’s move: “We might have sent him a message”
Dani Olmo admitted that Barcelona players may have messaged Rodri after reports emerged about his potential move from Manchester City.
Barcelona’s version of a major signing usually arrives neatly polished: a clear strategy, an ambitious project and months of careful work behind the scenes. Dani Olmo has now added a less ceremonial detail. When reports about Rodri’s future began to gather pace, some of his Spain teammates may have given him a gentle push towards Catalonia.
OLMO REVEALS THE INFORMAL PART
Speaking to “The Guardian”, Olmo explained that Barcelona players did not want to spend the World Cup discussing club transfers. The situation changed once the speculation surrounding Rodri became more serious.
“When the rumours started, we might have sent a little message or something,” Olmo admitted.
He did not identify the sender, reveal the content of any message or suggest that it determined Rodri’s decision. This was not an admission of players conducting negotiations on Barcelona’s behalf. It was simply a glimpse of the informal conversations taking place behind the club’s carefully presented transfer story.
A sporting project may have been central to the deal, but a friendly reminder from international teammates apparently did no harm either.
WHY RODRI MADE SENSE
Rodri completed his move from Manchester City to Barcelona in August and signed a contract running until June 2030. “The Guardian” reported that the agreement was worth an initial €60 million, with a further €15 million included in add-ons.
Olmo believes the midfielder is an ideal fit for Hansi Flick’s team. He described Rodri as the player most similar to Sergio Busquets, praising his positional discipline, balance and ability to protect the structure around Barcelona’s more adventurous midfielders.
He also credited the club for its summer recruitment. The transfer can therefore be celebrated as a success for the board, the sporting department and the coaching staff, with a small supporting role reserved for the unofficial messaging department inside Spain’s dressing room.
THE OFFICIAL STORY GETS A FOOTNOTE
There is no evidence that a message from Olmo or another Barcelona player decided the transfer. Rodri made his own choice, while the club still had to negotiate an agreement with Manchester City and settle the terms of his contract.
Olmo’s comments do show how major transfers can develop away from formal meetings and public statements. Teammates talk, friends encourage one another and the official presentation comes later. Barcelona can keep the grand strategy narrative, but it now carries a small footnote: the players may have helped with the sales pitch.
