Valdano admits rodri could have revolutionised Real Madrid
Barcelona have not even officially presented Rodri yet, and Madrid are already assessing what has slipped away. Jorge Valdano did not treat the deal as the loss of just another transfer target. In his view, Real Madrid have missed out on a player capable of changing the way the entire team functions.
The former Madrid player, coach and sporting director discussed the move on Movistar Plus+ Deportes. He acknowledged that Rodri will strengthen Barcelona, although he does not expect the midfielder to completely transform Hansi Flick’s side because the Spanish champions already have a clearly established identity.
The situation would have been very different at Real Madrid. Since the departures of Toni Kroos and Luka Modrić, the club have lacked a midfielder capable of controlling the rhythm, organising possession and consistently delivering the ball to the forwards at the right moment. Valdano believes Rodri could have solved several of those problems at once.
His unusual valuation of the transfer was particularly revealing. Valdano placed €35 million of the deal’s value on what Rodri will contribute to Barcelona. He attributed the remaining €40 million to the fact that Real Madrid will not have him. In simple terms, Barcelona are acquiring an elite midfielder while denying their biggest rivals a player they may have needed even more.
Valdano also described Rodri as the best player in the world. His argument was not based on goals or eye-catching statistics but on the midfielder’s ability to control matches, improve the positioning of his teammates and raise the level of everyone around him.
Barcelona have not officially announced the transfer. Multiple reports indicate that Manchester City have accepted an offer and that Rodri will sign a four-year contract. The reported figures differ slightly regarding the bonuses, but the guaranteed fee is expected to be €60 million.
Real Madrid had also made a serious attempt to sign the Spain international. José Mourinho reportedly spoke to him personally about the sporting project, and the club’s proposal was described as extremely strong. Rodri nevertheless chose Barcelona.
That is the most painful part for Madrid. It is not simply that a player rejected them. It is that the rejection came from someone perfectly suited to fill the most obvious gap in their team. Barcelona are getting a midfielder. Valdano has just explained why Real Madrid may have lost a potential revolution.
Sources: Managing Madrid, Reuters, Cadena SER
