Rodri of Manchester City
Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images
Spanish midfield star Rodri arrived in Barcelona yesterday after leaving Manchester City to undergo his medical and sign for the Catalan club.
While Real Madrid appear to have moved on from the saga that saw them miss out on the 30-year-old, doubts still linger over how Los Blancos lost the initiative in the race.
For a very long time, it looked like Rodri would not go anywhere other than back to Madrid to play for Jose Mourinho.
However, Barça emerged as an option out of the blue following Frenkie de Jong’s injury and snatched Rodri from under Madrid’s noses.
Now, according to MARCA, both Spanish clubs presented Rodri with very similar financial proposals.
Money was not the deciding factor
The decisive difference was therefore not his salary, but how the 30-year-old viewed his role and the stability of the respective sporting projects.
Real Madrid were prepared to compete financially for the midfielder, meaning Barcelona did not need to outbid their rivals to convince one of the world’s leading players to choose the Blaugrana shirt.
Rodri of Manchester City
Rodri rejected Real Madrid’s offer for a particular reason. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Instead, the problem was that Rodri felt there was greater uncertainty surrounding Los Blancos’ project.
Barcelona offered something he considered more clearly defined, with an established core, a recognisable hierarchy within the dressing room and a style of football that naturally suits his strengths.
Barcelona’s football appealed to Rodri
The tactical element is believed to have been particularly important.
Rodri sees similarities between Barcelona’s football and the possession-oriented approach he has experienced both at Manchester City and with the Spain national team.
For a midfielder whose game revolves around controlling tempo, positioning and organising possession from the base of midfield, the attraction is obvious.
Hansi Flick has also communicated directly with Rodri about his importance to the project, explaining that his experience and leadership would be fundamental within such a young squad.
At 30, Rodri was not simply choosing his next club. He was potentially choosing where to spend the final major chapter of his prime years.
Madrid project viewed more uncertain
Rodri, Spain and Manchester City midfielder
Real Madrid indeed made an offer for Rodri. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Real Madrid naturally remain capable of competing for every major trophy, and Rodri’s decision should not be interpreted as questioning the club’s stature.
The concern instead appears to have been about certainty.
Madrid have undergone significant changes to their squad and coaching structure, leaving questions about exactly how all their major pieces will eventually fit together.
Barcelona, meanwhile, could show Rodri a clearer picture of where he would play and what would be expected from him.
Jose Mourinho may be a charismatic manager with an excellent track record, but his last few years in management have been middling, to say the least.
Everything put together seems to have pushed Rodri towards Catalunya rather than Madrid, despite his obvious desire to wear white.
El Clasico this upcoming season will be particularly interesting because of this Rodri subplot, and it remains to be seen how he gets on at Barça.
Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid player
Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid player
Kylian Mbappe participated in only one pre-season game for Real Madrid this summer, and it was the clash against Schalke at the weekend.
Starting that game as his first appearance under Jose Mourinho, the Frenchman took just six minutes to get on the scoresheet once more.
The player is coming off a sensational World Cup, where he led France from the front and finished as the top scorer in the event. Back at Real Madrid, he immediately elevated the attack and returned to the scoresheet in his only pre-season appearance ahead of the new season.
Mbappe has returned hungry
As reported by Diario AS in a recent update, sources from within the club make it clear that a ‘new’ Mbappe has returned after the World Cup and the summer vacation.
Mbappe was on the scoresheet against Schalke. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)
The player has arrived in great physical shape and is ready for any game-state from the get-go. His physical condition is said to be sensational according to the club.
More importantly, the player has returned with a real hunger for titles and wins this time around, possibly owing to the disappointment left in him by the World Cup. His hunger and desire, needless to say, only make him a more frightening opponent.
A hunt for titles
Kylian Mbappe left PSG for Real Madrid in the summer of 2024, and it has become a common storyline for the player to be reminded that his former club have won every UEFA Champions League title since his departure.
Mbappe is in great physical condition. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)
Meanwhile, the Real Madrid forward has nothing to show as a major trophy won with the club as the first team has not won a single major title in the past two seasons.
That situation was the reason Jose Mourinho was urgently called back to the club, and Mbappe will look to change the narrative under the new manager.
With a fresh squad reinforced by new signings, Real Madrid have a formidable team this time around and will look to gun down every title they compete for. The Frenchman will be crucial on that front, not only as a striker but as a leader.