Manchester City midfielder Rodri has decided to join Barcelona, according to his agent, ending weeks of speculation over a possible move to Real Madrid.
The 30-year-old had held negotiations with Real Madrid for several weeks after expressing a desire in March to move to the Santiago Bernabeu. However, the situation changed abruptly when Barcelona made a strong push to sign him.
Rodri has spoken to Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco, who reportedly convinced him of the club’s sporting project. The Spain international reached an agreement on personal terms with Barcelona on Thursday.
His agent, Pablo Barquero, revealed the decision in an interview with Spanish radio station Cadena SER, saying Rodri had informed Real Madrid that he intended to join their rivals.
“Out of respect for Real Madrid, because they were highly professional, Rodri told them that his decision was to join Barcelona,” Barquero said, as quoted by the British newspaper the Mirror.
Real Madrid had made what Barquero described as an attractive offer for Rodri, but the Manchester City player opted for Barcelona in a major change to the expected direction of the deal. Real Madrid had been regarded as the leading contender for his signature throughout the previous weeks.
Barcelona’s interest has been driven by the need to strengthen their midfield, particularly after Frenkie de Jong suffered an injury that is expected to keep him out for several months.
The Catalan club view Rodri as an ideal replacement for De Jong. He has overcome his recent fitness problems and returned to his best form, before playing a prominent role in Spain’s World Cup victory last month.
Rodri was also awarded the Ballon d’Or as the tournament’s best player after producing a series of impressive performances for Luis de la Fuente’s Spain.
Despite the latest development, Manchester City have not abandoned hope of keeping Rodri. The midfielder has entered the final year of his current contract, giving the club a potential opportunity to resolve his future.
City’s hierarchy are aware that Rodri wants to return to Spain, while manager Enzo Maresca is making a strong effort to retain one of the team’s most important players.
“It is very important that he is with us. Any manager in the world wants Rodri because he is a top-class player, so his presence is important to me, to the club and to everyone,” Maresca said earlier this week.
However, City face a difficult task because of Rodri’s clear wish to return to La Liga and Barcelona’s determination to complete the transfer.
Barcelona are understood to have greater room under the wage cap following Robert Lewandowski’s departure. They also appear prepared to provide the funds needed to persuade Manchester City to open negotiations.
The club previously offered about £100m to Atletico Madrid for Argentina forward Julian Alvarez in June.
Rodri has spent seven years at Manchester City, winning four Premier League titles, one Champions League and two FA Cups. He also won the 2024 Ballon d’Or after helping Spain claim the European Championship that year.
If the move goes ahead, Rodri would be one of the most prominent players to leave Manchester City during a summer of significant change for the squad.
