Rodri Says Yes to Barcelona as Catalans Hijack Real Madrid Move
FC Barcelona have pulled off a dramatic swing in the summer’s biggest midfield saga, with Manchester City’s Rodri giving the green light to a move to the Spotify Camp Nou and turning down Real Madrid, according to a cluster of reports on Thursday. The 30-year-old is understood to have told the Blaugrana he is convinced by Hansi Flick’s project and cleared the Catalans to open negotiations with City.
Barcelona and Rodri agree terms
The story was first broken by Jijantes’ Gerard Romero and has since been corroborated by Mundo Deportivo, which reported that the reigning world champion has changed a stance that, until days ago, appeared to favour Real Madrid. RMC Sport’s Fabrice Hawkins and transfer reporter Matteo Moretto add that Barça and Rodri have already agreed the economic terms of a contract, leaving a fee with City as the final hurdle. Sporting director Deco is said to have worked the deal quietly, and it forms part of Barça’s summer transfer business that has reshaped the squad since Robert Lewandowski departed. City are reported to want around €80m, with a deal expected to land nearer €60-70m.
“Rodri is supposedly going to rule out Real Madrid, and I fear it’s because of Barça. I fear he gave Madrid a slap in the face.”
French content creator Riles, as cited by Mundo Deportivo
Even with Rodri moving closer, reports insist Barça still rate a new striker as their top priority and retain their interest in Atlético Madrid’s Julián Álvarez. For now, the Catalans want the midfield business tied up fast.
