BARCELONA, SPAIN - APRIL 17: FC Barcelona President Joan Laporta gives a press conference in response to recent allegations over payments made to referees by the club, at Spotify Camp Nou on April 17, 2023 in Barcelona, Spain. UEFA and Spanish authorities are investigating Barcelona over the payment of millions of euros to the company of Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira, the former vice-president of Spanish football's refereeing committee. If found guilty, UEFA's investigation could lead to a Champions League ban for the club. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Barcelona have this week caused quite a stir behind the scenes at none other than arch rivals Real Madrid. This comes amid widespread confirmation that the Blaugrana have firmly entered the bidding to sign Rodri from Manchester City.
In fact, the reigning Spanish champions are now considered to be ahead of their Clásico opponents in the race for the signature of the 30-year-old.
Midfielder Rodri is of course widely expected to be on the move before the summer is out. Ahead of the expiration of his contract terms in Manchester in 12 months’ time, the Ballon d’Or winner’s time in England appears to be approaching an imminent end.
To this point, the aforementioned Real Madrid had been considered the widespread favourites to land Rodri, after Florentino Pérez gave the green light for his board of directors to move forward with the deal.
Safe to say, then, that all associated with Los Blancos will no doubt be alarmed by the latest word stemming from the media on Thursday.
As per a report from market insider Fabrizio Romano, amongst others:
‘Rodri has opened the doors to Barcelona today, informing about his willingness to negotiate contract terms. Rodri opens to Barça for the very first time.’
It is now up to Real Madrid to force their way back into the picture, be it through an improved contract offer or bid to Manchester City.
Conor Laird – GSFN