Rodri Chooses Barcelona Over Real Madrid Despite €45 Million Bid
Real Madrid’s pursuit of Rodri took an unexpected turn as the midfielder opted to join Barcelona instead. Initially, news surfaced that Rodri would not renew his contract with Manchester City, igniting speculation about a possible return to Spain, with Real Madrid appearing to be in the driver’s seat for the 30-year-old’s services.
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Real Madrid had shown hesitation before deciding to make a move for the talented player. Concurrently, FC Barcelona was also eyeing Rodri, especially in light of Frenkie de Jong’s injury. In the end, Hansi Flick and the Spanish contingent at Barcelona convinced Rodri to sign with them, leading to his decision to turn down Madrid.
According to Juanfe Sanz Perez on El Chiringuito TV, Madrid reportedly placed a €45 million offer on the table for Rodri.
Madrid Made Their Move for Rodri
The interest from Real Madrid was genuine, as the club was willing to make a significant financial commitment to secure the Spanish international for their midfield, which is undergoing substantial changes under coach Jose Mourinho. However, the pursuit ultimately did not yield results, as Rodri favored Barcelona for his next chapter.
The presented €45 million bid stands out, especially when juxtaposed with Manchester City’s demands for the player and the figure Barcelona eventually paid to acquire him. This development appears to be a strategic inquiry from Madrid to gauge the financial expectations set by the English club.
Rodri Ultimately Preferred Barcelona
Madrid’s failure to acquire Rodri was influenced by factors beyond financial considerations. Reports indicated that he received similar financial offers from both clubs, but the sporting project at Barcelona significantly swayed his choice. Despite being the precise type of midfielder Madrid’s squad lacks, the club did not approach negotiations with a strong sense of urgency.
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In contrast, Barcelona crafted a clear role for Rodri, positioning him as a leader within their youthful lineup. The midfielder’s potential to serve as a controlling presence in Mourinho’s midfield setup contributed to Madrid’s initial interest, but the connection ultimately proved fleeting.
Madrid Might Not Have Gone for Him at Any Cost
While Real Madrid’s willingness to make a €45 million offer indicates serious interest, it does not suggest an intention to engage in a protracted bidding war for a player of Rodri’s age. Although he stands as an elite midfielder, Madrid must also consider the age dynamics of their squad and the long-term implications of their investments.
As Barcelona solidified their control over the situation and Manchester City’s valuation remained high, Madrid’s options began to dwindle. The transfer, ultimately, was simply not meant to be. Madrid will now be eager to face Rodri on the pitch during the upcoming Clasico later this season.
Once it emerged that Rodri would not be signing a new contract at Manchester City, it quickly became clear that he wanted to return to Spain and preferably play for Real Madrid.
Los Blancos and Florentino Perez were initially apprehensive about making a move before deciding to go in and sign the midfielder.
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However, simultaneously, Barcelona also positioned themselves to sign the Spaniard following Frenkie de Jong’s injury.
Eventually, Hansi Flick and the Spanish stars at Barça managed to convince Rodri to play for the Catalans, with the 30-year-old rejecting Madrid.
Now, according to Juanfe Sanz Perez on El Chiringuito TV, Madrid actually made a bid and put €45 million on the table for the 30-year-old midfielder.
Madrid made their move for Rodri
Madrid’s interest in Rodri was more than simply exploratory.
The club were prepared to make a significant financial commitment to bring the Spain international to the Santiago Bernabeu.
Real Madrid made a €45 million offer for Rodri. (Photo by Diego Souto/Getty Images)
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Rodri’s quality and experience made him an obvious candidate to strengthen a midfield undergoing considerable change under Jose Mourinho.
However, the pursuit ultimately went nowhere, with the midfielder deciding that Barcelona would be his preferred destination.
The reported €45 million offer is particularly interesting given Manchester City’s demands for the player and the eventual fee Barça paid to sign him.
It seems like a classic case of Madrid testing the waters with a bid just to see what kind of demands the English club were placing.
Rodri ultimately preferred Barcelona
Madrid’s failure to land Rodri was not simply about finances.
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The midfielder is said to have received similar financial proposals from both Spanish giants, but it is the sporting project that tipped the scales in the Catalan club’s favour.
Despite the fact that he is the exact profile Madrid’s midfield is lacking, Real Madrid did not really go into the negotiations with much conviction.
Rodri is going to sign for Barcelona. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Barça, on the other hand, had a clear role outlined for him, with Flick entrusting him as a leader in an otherwise very young dressing room.
Rodri would have offered Mourinho an experienced controller capable of immediately becoming an important part of the midfield, but it was not to be.
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Madrid might not have gone for him at any cost
There is another side to the story, however.
Real Madrid’s willingness to offer €45 million does not mean the club were prepared to enter an open-ended bidding war for a player who has already turned 30.
Rodri is unquestionably an elite midfielder, but Madrid also have to consider the age profile of their squad and the long-term value of major investments.
Once Barcelona became the player’s clear preference and Manchester City’s valuation remained considerably higher, continuing to push the operation would have become increasingly difficult.
Ultimately, it was a transfer deal that was not meant to be, and Madrid will be hoping to get the better of him when they face him in the Clasico later this season.
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