Barcelona is making significant strides in acquiring Manchester City midfielder Rodri during this summer’s transfer window. For several weeks, it appeared that the Spanish player might be on his way to Real Madrid; however, the Catalan club has now taken the lead in securing his agreement.

His potential deal with Barça has ignited discussions, prompting former Real Madrid striker Fernando Morientes to share his thoughts on the situation. Rather than focusing on Rodri’s choice to join Barcelona, Morientes contended that Real Madrid was never fully committed to pursuing the player.

Morientes Dismisses Claims of Rejection by Rodri

Morientes expressed his frustration with Rodri’s situation when speaking on El Partidazo de COPE (via SPORT). He rejected the notion that Barcelona had outmaneuvered Real Madrid for one of this summer’s key signings.

“It seems like a very bad joke to me,” said the former striker. He continued, “Those of us who know how this works are aware that Real Madrid never really wanted Rodri at any point.” Additionally, he challenged the narrative that Rodri declined an opportunity with Los Blancos for Barcelona, asserting, “They’re treating us like fools when they say Rodri rejected Real Madrid.”

If Florentino Wanted Him

Morientes indicated that the current narrative seems to deflect responsibility from Madrid. “Now they pass the hot potato to the player by saying he wanted to sign for Barcelona,” he noted. He made a bold statement regarding Florentino Perez, asserting, “If Florentino Perez had wanted him, this signing would not have slipped away.”

Morientes believes that Barcelona’s ability to persuade Rodri relates less to eclipsing Madrid and more to Madrid’s lack of earnest effort in the transfer pursuit.

Barcelona’s Alluring Project

While Barcelona has yet to finalize an agreement with Manchester City for Rodri, the club has laid significant groundwork. Deco and Hansi Flick successfully presented a sporting project that resonated with Rodri, who views Barcelona’s possession-based style as a fitting match for his skills.

The Catalan club has already reached personal terms with Rodri before ramping up discussions with Manchester City, indicating that considerable preparation has been undertaken behind the scenes. Whether Real Madrid genuinely withdrew from the competition or merely lost ground remains unclear. Nonetheless, it is evident that Barcelona is on the brink of securing one of the most significant signings of the summer and recent club history.

Barcelona are making progress to sign Manchester City midfield star Rodri this summer transfer window.

It looked for quite a few weeks like the Spaniard was headed to Real Madrid, but the Catalan club have overtaken them to get the player’s permission.

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His agreement with Barça has sparked plenty of debate and now, former Real Madrid striker Fernando Morientes has weighed in on the saga.

Rather than focusing on why the Ballon d’Or-winning midfielder chose Barcelona, Morientes argued that Real Madrid were never truly determined to sign him.

Morientes rejects the “Rodri turned down Madrid” narrative

Morientes is clearly not happy with Rodri. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Speaking on El Partidazo de COPE (h/t SPORT), Morientes dismissed the suggestion that Barcelona beat Real Madrid to one of the biggest signings of the summer.

“It seems like a very bad joke to me,” the former striker said.

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“Those of us who know how this works are aware that Real Madrid never really wanted Rodri at any point,” he continued.

He also questioned the growing narrative that Rodri rejected Los Blancos in favour of Barcelona.

“They’re treating us like fools when they say Rodri rejected Real Madrid,” he revealed.

If Florentino wanted him

Morientes believes the story is now being presented in a way that shifts responsibility away from Madrid.

“Now they pass the hot potato to the player by saying he wanted to sign for Barcelona,” he said.

He also made a strong statement on Florentino Perez.

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“If Florentino Perez had wanted him, this signing would not have slipped away,” he concluded.

Morientes believes Barcelona’s success in convincing Rodri had less to do with beating Madrid and more to do with the Spanish champions deciding not to pursue the deal with full conviction.

Barcelona’s project proved convincing

Barcelona are yet to reach an agreement with Man City for Rodri. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Morientes can say what he wants, but Barcelona have done their part.

Deco and Hansi Flick presented Rodri with a sporting project that appealed to him, while the midfielder also saw Barcelona’s possession-based style as a natural fit for his game.

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The Catalans also reached an agreement on personal terms before intensifying talks with Manchester City, showing how much groundwork had already been completed behind the scenes.

Whether Madrid truly stepped away or simply lost the race is something only those involved will know.

What is clear, however, is that Barcelona have convinced one of the world’s finest midfielders to buy into Flick’s long-term vision.

The outcome remains clear: the club are on the verge of securing one of the biggest signings of the summer and in their recent history.