Rodri to reject Real Madrid for FC Barcelona?!: The Catalans begin talks with Man City for the Ballon D'Or winner after positive updates

Anweshan Ghosh

Aug 8

3 min read

Updated: Aug 9

Spain's World Cup-winning captain and Manchester City midfielder Rodri has informed Real Madrid that he prefers to join FC Barcelona if Manchester City facilitates an exit.

Unless an incredible turn of events occurs, Real Madrid's dream of signing Rodri seems to be over, and now he's closer to joining their arch rivals.

For months the 30-year-old’s future appeared to be destined in Madrid, but now it's turned out to be one of the most interesting transfer sagas of the summer.

The Los Blancos wanted Rodri to become the heart of their midfield and lead the new Galacticos, while Manchester City have been hoping for him to renew his contract. However, Barcelona were closely monitoring the situation behind the scenes and assessing their financial options to sign the midfield maestro.

As per reports, Rodri has now made his preference clear regarding his future after Man City. He wants only Barcelona should he leave England this summer and won't accept any other destination.

He has turned down the lucrative opportunity to wear Real Madrid's iconic white. The transfer is yet to be completed, but Rodri's decision has left the Madrid fans quite frustrated.

This decision seems a bit surprising because Rodri was born and brought up in Madrid and rose through the ranks at Atletico Madrid’s academy before moving to Manchester City.

Last season, the 30-year-old openly admitted that he wouldn't refuse an offer from Real Madrid and also described the club as one of the biggest clubs in the world.

These comments felt that the Spanish international was more inclined towards a move in the country's capital. However, reports suggest now that Rodri has been moved by Hansi Flick's sporting project and is keen on being a part of it.

The 33-year-old feels that Barcelona's style of football suits his profile more than Real Madrid's style, and most importantly, his relationship with several Barcelona players is excellent, with whom he shared the dressing room in the Spanish national team as well.

The Catalan giants are now in direct talks with Manchester City over a potential deal with personal terms already agreed with the player. For the La Liga champions, Rodri would be much more than just a marquee signing.

Since Sergio Busquets left the club, Barça have always searched for a holding midfielder.

Several players have played in this position, but none of them are as good at shielding the defence and carrying the ball forward at the same time as the Spaniard. Rodri's ability to control the tempo of the game and positional awareness is second to none.

Being a student of Pep Guardiola, he is the perfect representation of a modern midfielder who can halt opposition attacks, launch attacks in transitions and also control games with IQ. His qualities were evident during Spain's World Cup triumph this summer as he played a key role in guiding his nation to their second-ever title.

For Real Madrid, missing out on Rodri will hurt, as they needed him more than anyone. Following the exits of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric, Madrid have lacked a controller in the midfield, and Rodri would've been a great addition.

His experience, technicality and leadership would've provided the perfect balance to Real Madrid's newly assembled Galacticos squad.

For now talks are ongoing between Man City and Barça, with the former rejecting the Catalan giant's first offer of around £38.5 million. City have informed that any offer around £50 million is not enough while they're advancing in negotiations for Ayyoub Bouaddi as a replacement for the Spanish international.