Transfer window: Barça tries to outmaneuver Real Madrid in the Rodri race

The Rodri saga has taken another unexpected twist. While the Manchester City midfielder seemed destined to join Real Madrid, interest from FC Barcelona has reportedly changed the dynamics of the negotiations. According to information from Juan Jesús Cárdenas, relayed by the Spanish press, the Catalan club has decided to take action to try and convince the Spanish international.

Barça coach Hansi Flick is said to be particularly keen on the player's profile and has already made contact to present him with the Blaugrana sporting project. A meeting between Deco, the club's sporting director, and the World Cup winner's entourage is also reportedly being considered in the coming days.

Hansi Flick wants to build a midfield around Rodri

The German tactician sees Rodri as a key figure capable of transforming Barcelona's midfield. The player's profile seems to fit the Catalan club's requirements perfectly: ball control, tactical intelligence, ability to dictate the tempo, and experience at the highest level.

Rodri himself is said to have started reconsidering his options. While he was previously 100% convinced about joining Real Madrid, Barça's project has reportedly given him pause for thought.

The prospect of forming a world-class midfield alongside Pedri and Dani Olmo, his teammates in the Spanish national team, is particularly appealing to the Manchester City star.

Real Madrid worried by the player's silence

At Real Madrid, the situation is reportedly causing concern. Florentino Pérez has made Rodri a top priority to strengthen Los Blancos' midfield, especially after the gradual departure of several key players in that area.

However, the Spanish club is still awaiting an official response from the player, with ten days having passed without any definitive progress. The entry of Barça into the race could further complicate a deal that the Casa Blanca thought they had under control.

A midfielder who became a global reference at Manchester City

Since joining Manchester City from Atlético de Madrid in 2019 for around €70 million, Rodri has established himself as one of the world's best defensive midfielders.

Under Pep Guardiola's guidance, the Spaniard has reached new heights. He has notably won the 2023 Champions League, multiple Premier League titles, the Club World Cup, and the FA Cup.

His influence was particularly evident during the 2022-2023 season, when he scored the decisive goal in the Champions League final against Inter Milan, securing Manchester City's first-ever European crown.

Statistics that highlight his importance

In his recent seasons at Manchester City, Rodri has stood out for his consistency. In 2023-2024, he featured in 50 matches across all competitions, scoring 9 goals and providing 14 assists—remarkable numbers for a primarily defensive midfielder.

With Spain, he has also become a central figure. As the 2024 European Champion and the tournament's best player, he has cemented his status as the technical and tactical leader of La Roja.

At 30, Rodri represents much more than just an additional signing: he embodies the type of midfielder capable of dictating play. The only question that remains is whether his future will unfold in Madrid, as initially expected, or in Barcelona, where Hansi Flick dreams of pairing him with Pedri and Dani Olmo.

Nouya M'toama

Editorfr, en

Versatile journalist specializing in sports and political news, with extensive experience across radio, print and digital media platforms.

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