Headline: Barcelona Set to Sign Rodri as Real Madrid Miss Out
Recent speculation surrounding Rodri’s future has shifted dramatically. Initially, many anticipated that Real Madrid would secure the signing of the 30-year-old midfielder. However, it now appears that Rodri is poised to depart Manchester City for Barcelona.
In the past 48 hours, Barcelona intensified their efforts for Rodri’s signature, capitalizing on the pause in negotiation between Real Madrid and Manchester City. Following discussions on personal terms, Rodri has ultimately chosen to play at the Spotify Camp Nou instead of the Bernabeu.
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According to El Larguero (via Fabrizio Romano), Rodri’s agent has revealed that Real Madrid has now been informed of Rodri’s intention to move to Barcelona this summer.
“Out of respect for Real Madrid, as they have been class, Rodri informed them that his decision is to join Barcelona.”
What Next for Real Madrid?
The loss of Rodri is a significant setback for Real Madrid, particularly given their ongoing midfield struggles over the last few seasons. Although the club has managed to sign Bernardo Silva, it seems they may not address the necessary changes that head coach Jose Mourinho desired.
After already missing out on Enzo Fernandez due to Chelsea’s high pricing, and now facing another disappointment with Rodri, Real Madrid must explore alternative options. However, it remains uncertain if they will find sufficient talent to fill key roles, especially in light of their unsuccessful attempts to secure a departure for Eduardo Camavinga, a player Mourinho has sidelined for the upcoming 2026-27 season.
For weeks, it has been taken for granted that Real Madrid would end up signing Rodri, but that is no longer the case. The 30-year-old is still expected to leave Manchester City this summer, although it appears that he will be heading to Barcelona instead.
In the last 48 hours, Barcelona have made a serious push for Rodri’s signature, taking advantage of Real Madrid’s talks with Man City being on hold. An agreement on personal terms quickly followed, and in the end, the 2026 World Cup Golden Ball winner has decided that he wants to play at the Spotify Camp Nou, rather than the Bernabeu.
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As per El Larguero (via Fabrizio Romano), Rodri’s agent has confirmed that Real Madrid are now aware of the Spain international’s decision to seek a move to Barcelona this summer.
“Out of respect for Real Madrid, as they have been class, Rodri informed them that his decision is to join Barcelona.”
What next for Real Madrid?
It cannot be overstated how much of a blow it is for Real Madrid to miss out on signing Rodri. Midfield is an area that has caused a lot of problems over the last couple of seasons, but aside from bringing in Bernardo Silva, it does not appear that they will make the necessary changes – crucially, the ones that head coach Jose Mourinho wanted.
Real Madrid had already missed out on Enzo Fernandez after Chelsea priced the Argentine star out of a move, and Rodri now also ruled out, they must look to pursue other options. However, it is unclear whether they will consider anyone else good enough to come in and play a key role, especially given their failed efforts to secure an exit for Eduardo Camavinga, who is one of the players that Mourinho does not count on for the 2026-27 season.
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