Barcelona sporting director Deco played a decisive role in persuading Manchester City midfielder Rodri to choose the Catalan club, after holding a private three-hour meeting with the Spain international on 30 July.
The meeting took place at a hotel in Barcelona, according to journalist Carlos Monfort, at a time when Rodri was reportedly much closer to reaching an agreement with Real Madrid. The Spanish club had led the race for the 30-year-old for an extended period.
Deco used the meeting to present Barcelona’s plans and attempt to convince Rodri that a move to the team managed by Hansi-Dieter Flick was the right next step in his career. The conversation is understood to have been central to Barcelona’s efforts to change the midfielder’s thinking.
News of Rodri’s decision to move to Barcelona emerged in recent days. The player ultimately turned down Real Madrid in favour of Barcelona, despite the Madrid club having appeared to be in the strongest position for much of the negotiations.
Rodri later told those involved in the process that he had been impressed by Barcelona’s project and was prepared to accept the club’s proposal. That response marked a significant shift from his position at the time of the July meeting, when an agreement with Real Madrid appeared more likely.
Barcelona have not yet completed the deal. The club must still reach an agreement with Manchester City over the transfer before Rodri’s move can be finalised.
The negotiations therefore remain unfinished, but Deco’s intervention has helped Barcelona move ahead of Real Madrid in the race for the midfielder. The sporting director’s meeting with Rodri took place several weeks before the player’s decision became public and provided the foundation for the club’s eventual progress.
Rodri’s choice represents an important development for Barcelona as they continue to shape the squad that will work under Hansi-Dieter Flick. For now, however, the player’s agreement to join the club does not constitute a completed transfer, with discussions between Barcelona and Manchester City still required.