REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach via Action Images
Rodri is at the centre of a transfer battle between Barcelona and Real Madrid and the Manchester City midfielder is believed to desire a move to Camp Nou.
The Spaniard had been heavily linked with a move to Madrid after starring in his nation's World Cup triumph. For a while now, he has been talked up for a switch to the Estadio Bernabeu, with Dani Carvajal previously admitting he constantly tried to convince him to join Los Blancos.
Barca have only recently come into the picture, but the Catalans have seemingly turned the City star's head. If he is to leave the Etihad this summer, he wants to join Hansi Flick's La Liga champions.
Rodri 'Told' Real Madrid Why He Prefers Barcelona Move
via Reuters
Rodri enjoyed a stellar World Cup campaign and won the Golden Ball after helping Spain become two-time world champions. With a year left on his contract at City, the 30-year-old is wanted by both El Clasico rivals.
According to Spanish outlet AS, Rodri has 'definitively opted for a move to Barcelona and informed Real Madrid'. He is said to have held talks with Los Blancos, and while he's shown the 'utmost respect for the club ', this didn't come with 'complete conviction.'
Rodri reportedly even gave his reasons for prioritising a move to Camp Nou during those conversations. His relationship with Pep Guardiola, the Blaugrana's style of play and the club's coexistence with the Spanish national team are all thought to have been instrumental.
The 2024 Ballon d'Or winner has previously spoken of his admiration for Guardiola's Barca team. He even vowed to 'be better' than Sergio Busquets, whom he called 'the best defensive midfielder of all time' in an interview with Mundo Deportivo in October 2023.
Sergio Busquets applauding
Sergio Busquets applauding
Madrid understood Rodri's explanations and conceded defeat in their pursuit of the 30-year-old. They viewed him as a 'very interesting player due to his ability, charisma, captaincy and prominence at international level.'
Jose Mourinho has been kept in the loop and thinks he can find a solution within his current squad. It's a blow for the Portuguese coach, but he has the likes of Manchester United-linked Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga to call upon as his midfield anchor.
How Much Barcelona Will Be Spending On Rodri
Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff
The report claims that Madrid hadn't only spoken to Rodri about a potential move but also City's higher-ups. These discussions didn't result in negotiations or any talks over a transfer fee for the Spaniard.
Barca are now in pole position to land the former Atletico Madrid midfielder, and a deal will reportedly cost them around €60 million (£50 million). If he does make the move, he'll become the second player to head to Catalonia from the Premier League this summer following Anthony Gordon's arrival from Newcastle United for £69.3m.
Rodri is reportedly expected to be offered a four-year deal worth around €30 million (£25.7m) per year. That would make him one of the highest-paid players at the club, along with the likes of Lamine Yamal and Raphinha.
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola watching on from the touchline
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola watching on from the touchline
Should he leave City, he'll do so as one of the greatest players in the club's history, having won every trophy on offer. He scored the vital winner in the 2023 Champions League final as Guardiola guided the Citizens to a historic treble.