Daniel Carvajal of Real Madrid
Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images
Former Real Madrid captain Dani Carvajal reportedly played a key role in the club’s decision not to pursue Rodri, with Gerard Romero claiming the defender warned the Spanish giants about the potential impact the midfielder’s arrival could have on the dressing room.
It is to be noted that the former Manchester City midfielder had previously left the door open to a move to Madrid, and talks were held between the player’s representatives and the club.
Real Madrid were therefore in the picture before Rodri ultimately chose Barcelona.
The midfielder’s decision has been attributed to the appeal of Barça’s tactical model and Hansi Flick’s sporting project, but Romero has now offered a completely different explanation for why the Madrid move did not happen.
Carvajal warned Real Madrid over Rodri
According to the Spanish journalist, Carvajal advised Real Madrid against signing Rodri because of concerns about the effect the transfer could have inside the dressing room.
It is a striking claim given Carvajal’s status at Madrid and his relationship with many of the club’s senior players.
Carvajal advised Real Madrid not to sign Rodri. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
The former captain is currently without a club, but his intervention allegedly came while Real Madrid were considering whether to pursue Rodri.
The midfielder had emerged as an attractive option for the Spanish club, particularly given his status as one of the leading players in his position.
Yet the possibility of bringing him into an already star-studded dressing room apparently raised concerns.
Rodri’s Ballon d’Or win adds context
The timing of Rodri’s Ballon d’Or triumph could help explain why such concerns may have existed, although there is no confirmation that this was specifically the reason behind Carvajal’s alleged warning.
In 2024, Rodri won the Ballon d’Or ahead of several high-profile contenders, including Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr.
Back then, many expected the Brazilian to claim the award.
Rodri, Barcelona player
Rodri picked Barcelona over Real Madrid. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Real Madrid reacted strongly to the result by deciding not to attend the ceremony after learning that Vinicius would not receive the prize.
This turned the outcome into one of the biggest talking points surrounding that year’s award.
Rodri’s victory consequently came against a backdrop of disappointment within the Madrid camp.
Could dressing-room politics have influenced Madrid?
If Romero’s account is accurate, Carvajal’s intervention would show that bringing another major personality into a dressing room containing established stars can carry sporting and interpersonal considerations.
Still, it would be premature to conclude that Rodri’s Ballon d’Or victory directly created a problem with Vinicius or that this alone prevented a transfer.
What is clear is that Rodri eventually chose Barcelona, despite previously being open to Real Madrid.
Real Madrid lose control of former academy starlet’s future after big-money move to the Premier League
Chema Andres of Stuttgart
Photo by Christian Kaspar-Bartke/Getty Images
One of the most significant moves for Real Madrid on the deadline day of the summer transfer window, surprisingly, had nothing to do with a direct departure or arrival from the club.
Instead, it was the sale of Chema Andres who moved from Stuttgart to Brighton and Hove Albion in the Premier League for a big fee, part of which Real Madrid were entitled to as they held 50% of the player’s rights.
The youngster, thus, became part of a historic transfer window for Real Madrid where the club made over €200 million from youth player sales, windfalls and other similar operations.
Real Madrid lose their rights
As reported by Diario AS, Chema’s move from Serie A to the Premier League closed for a sum of €23 million last night, making it a costly operation for Brighton.
We are pleased to confirm the signing of Chema Andres on a five-year deal from VfB Stuttgart! ✍️
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@BHAFC) September 1, 2026
Owing 50% of his rights, Real Madrid pocketed €11.5 million straight from the transfer and will be pleased with that development. There is, however, a twist.
After taking home their handsome windfall, Real Madrid have forfeited all rights over the player. Not only do they no longer hold a percentage of his ownership but they also have no more buy-back clauses or any priority purchase option.
The connection between Chema and Real Madrid is thus severed for good, and Brighton now own 100% of the player with complete control over his future.
A tactical decision
Real Madrid knew well in advance that they would lose control of the player once his move to England went through but chose not to act on it.
Spain to Sussex. Andres is Albion. 🇪🇸💫 pic.twitter.com/r547lYsmOM
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@BHAFC) September 1, 2026
The Merengues had a buy-back option on the player and could have signed him back this summer as an intermediate step before releasing him to Brighton if they wished to retain control.
Their decision not to interfere in matters is an indication that they were prepared to lose control of his future, and is thus a completely planned decision.
After all, the scope for Chema to return to Real Madrid in the long run is near-zero. Nevertheless, the hope will be that he can continue to flourish and grow in England into the player he has always been hyped to be.