FC Barcelona Successfully Secures Rodri from Manchester City Amidst Real Madrid Interest

After a brief period of quiet in the market, FC Barcelona have come out all guns blazing, successfully hijacking Real Madrid’s operation to sign Rodri from Manchester City.

Indeed, the 2026 FIFA World Cup winner is understood to have chosen the Blaugrana over Los Blancos, with the club now preparing everything for his signing.

A deal for the 30-year-old midfield general is expected to cost around €60-70 million, while he will also command a significant salary reflecting his status as one of the best in the world in his position.

Now, according to Fabrice Hawkins of RMC Sport, Barcelona still continue to prioritise the signing of a new centre-forward and have not abandoned their pursuit of Julian Alvarez despite the Rodri deal moving forward.

Barcelona will still pursue Alvarez despite Rodri signing. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Coming into the summer, the priority for Barça has always been signing a top striker to replace Robert Lewandowski, who left the club as a free agent.

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With Ferran Torres also leaning towards an exit, the necessity for a new forward has only grown.

The signing of a midfielder only emerged as an objective for the Catalans following the knee injury to Frenkie de Jong at the World Cup, who will likely be out for at least four months.

So, regardless of the Rodri operation, Barcelona intend to press ahead with their operation to sign Alvarez from Atletico Madrid.

A reunion at Barcelona? (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

What’s the status?

As things stand, though, any deal for the Argentine international is looking quite difficult to pull off for the La Liga champions.

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While the player is completely on board with the idea of making the move, Atletico Madrid remain firm in their stance that Alvarez is not for sale.

Much will now depend on the striker himself and whether he is willing to put further pressure on the Rojiblancos to change their stance.

As things stand, Alvarez is scheduled to report for training with Atletico Madrid on August 10, and while it is unlikely that he will be absent, it is expected that the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner will speak with Diego Simeone & co. and angle for an exit.