Real Madrid: Rodri sparks fury from Mourinho and Florentino Pérez

Madrid does not plan to sign another midfielder despite Mourinho’s frustration after the Rodri setback

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Real Madrid: Rodri sparks fury from Mourinho and Florentino Pérez

Rodri’s decision to choose FC Barcelona has ignited a storm behind the scenes at Real Madrid, with Florentino Pérez and José Mourinho struggling to come to terms with this high-profile failure.

The Rodri saga has taken a particularly painful turn for Real Madrid. While Los Merengues had officially opened talks with Manchester City to sign the Spaniard, the 2026 World Cup winner ultimately decided to continue his career at FC Barcelona. Publicly, the club maintained a respectful stance, but behind closed doors, the reaction has reportedly been far more explosive.

Florentino Pérez took the Rodri failure hard

According to Sport, Florentino Pérez was absolutely furious upon learning of the 30-year-old midfielder’s decision. The Real president had considered the transfer all but sealed and was particularly stung by this dramatic turn of events.

José Mourinho is also said to be deeply frustrated. The Portuguese tactician was counting on Rodri to bring control, experience, and leadership to his midfield. The dressing room was reportedly caught off guard as well, with several players expecting to welcome the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner to Valdebebas. Still, these claims should be treated with caution as they originate from Sport, a publication historically close to the Barcelona camp.

For its part, AS offers a much calmer version: Real Madrid respected the player’s decision, wished him well, and Mourinho now believes he has internal options to fill the role.

Real Madrid will not sign another midfielder

This is the main consequence of the failed pursuit. Despite Mourinho’s disappointment, Real Madrid does not plan to pivot to another midfielder. Rodri was seen as a unique profile, and the club’s management does not want to sign someone simply to make up the numbers. Mourinho will thus have to make do with Federico Valverde, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Eduardo Camavinga, Arda Güler, Jude Bellingham, and Bernardo Silva.

This marks a notable shift since José Mourinho had previously wanted to strengthen his squad with another midfielder. AS now confirms that the Portuguese manager considers the current alternatives in his squad sufficient.

Six new signings have already arrived in Madrid

Madrid’s caution is also explained by an already packed transfer window. Real have brought in Marc Cucurella, Ibrahima Konaté, Bernardo Silva, Denzel Dumfries, and Carlos Espí, and then made a huge splash by signing Yan Diomandé, their sixth summer recruit and a club record transfer.

With the squad significantly reshaped, Real now look ready to kick off the new La Liga season without the extra No. 6 Mourinho initially requested. Still, the Rodri setback leaves the Portuguese manager with a major tactical dilemma: finding, from within his own ranks, the player capable of dictating the control and tempo the world champion was expected to provide.