Barcelona are stepping up their efforts to build a squad capable of competing at the highest level in the 2026-27 season and are keeping a close watch on Manchester City midfielder Rodri, despite Real Madrid currently being viewed as favourites to sign him.
The Catalan club’s sporting director Deco and his closest advisers are keen to strengthen Hansi Flick’s squad with players of the highest quality. Although the team have enjoyed two impressive seasons under Flick, Barcelona believe further reinforcements will be needed to develop the project.
According to Sport, Barcelona’s main priority at present is the signing of an out-and-out striker. However, the club’s executives are also prepared to consider additions in other positions if suitable opportunities emerge during the transfer market.
Rodri has now become one of the possibilities being assessed. A week after Catalunya Radio reported that Barcelona had asked Manchester City about the Spain international’s situation, Cadena SER said the club was monitoring the negotiations surrounding the player “باهتمام شديد” – with very close attention.
Real Madrid remain the leading candidates in the race for Rodri, but Barcelona are examining whether they could make their own move if the midfielder ultimately does not join the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium side. The club would also need Rodri to show that he was willing to move to Barcelona.
Cadena SER journalist Nil Sola said there was a belief within Barcelona that the deal could be completed. The midfielder is regarded by the club as one of the best players in the world in his position, making him a footballer Barcelona consider worthy of a major financial effort.
Any transfer would nevertheless depend on more than Barcelona’s interest and financial commitment. Rodri would have to be prepared to choose the Catalan club, particularly with Real Madrid considered the strongest contenders for his signature.
Deco and Flick currently believe Barcelona have a complete range of midfield options. The situation changed following the uncertainty created by Frenkie de Jong’s injury, however, and that has opened the door to a different possibility in the centre of the pitch.
Barcelona’s planning is therefore centred on a clear attacking need, but the club is unwilling to dismiss an opportunity to sign Rodri if the right conditions develop. The midfielder’s future, the outcome of the discussions involving Real Madrid and his own preference will all be crucial to determining whether the interest becomes a formal pursuit.
For now, Rodri remains a player Barcelona are watching rather than a confirmed target with an agreement in place. But the club’s continued attention indicates that its plans for the 2026-27 campaign could extend beyond the search for a striker, with the Spain midfielder seen as a potentially transformative addition.
