Manchester City midfielder Rodri has informed Real Madrid that his preferred destination, should he depart from English football, is Barcelona, according to a report by Yahoo Sports. The development marks a significant shift in the player’s potential transfer trajectory, as Madrid had previously been viewed as the more realistic landing spot and had tabled a substantial financial proposal.
Real Madrid Hesitation Opens Door for Barcelona
According to Yahoo Sports, doubts lingered within the Madrid hierarchy regarding how fully convinced Rodri was about moving to the Santiago Bernabéu. Club president Florentino Perez reportedly held reservations concerning the player’s recent injury history and age, which prevented the club from swiftly concluding a deal during two initial conversations with Manchester City.
That hesitation allowed Barcelona to advance their position. Rodri has now given Barcelona authorization to formally approach Manchester City to discuss transfer conditions. While no agreement between the two clubs has been finalized, Barcelona manager Hansi Flick and several of Rodri’s Spanish national team teammates have actively communicated with the midfielder, according to Yahoo Sports.
Tactical Fit and National Team Ties Drive Rodri’s Preference
Rodri’s inclination toward Barcelona stems largely from tactical familiarity and personal connections. Having spent his prime years operating under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, Rodri is accustomed to a system predicated on positional superiority, dictating tempo, and controlling possession. Barcelona’s style under Hansi Flick presents a natural continuation of those principles.
Additionally, Yahoo Sports notes that Rodri shares strong relationships with several Barcelona players from his time with the Spanish national team, including Ferran Torres, Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsi, and Pedri, whom BBC Sport also highlights as part of the club’s core. Guardiola’s historical ties to Barcelona further reinforce the player’s affinity for the Catalan side.
Contract Status and Current Recovery Timeline
The transfer speculation unfolds while Rodri continues his recovery from back surgery, which has kept him sidelined following a 2024–25 campaign disrupted by a serious knee injury and a hamstring issue, as reported by BBC Sport.
Manchester City remains on a pre-season tour in the Far East and prepares to face Arsenal in the Community Shield. City officials have previously stated to BBC Sport that the club is counting on the midfielder for the upcoming season, maintaining that any permanent departure would require a significant transfer fee. Rodri faces a decision upon his return: sign a new deal with City, play out the remaining months of his contract to become a free agent next summer, or pursue a transfer to La Liga.