Real Madrid has been left stunned after target Rodri decided on making a dramatic turn from his initial decision to join Barcelona over a move to the Santiago Bernabeu.
The Manchester City midfielder might be causing a big rivalry between two Spanish club who are both fighting to sign him this summer window.
Fresh off incredible success at the World Cup, the star player has reportedly opened the door to a stunning move. While heavy links previously pointed toward a future at the Santiago Bernabeu, recent updates suggest a dramatic shift.
Barcelona have officially entered the race, and the midfielder’s stance has fans and experts talking about one of the biggest potential switches of the window.
For weeks, common talk across sports media suggested that Rodri favored a future transfer to Real Madrid. Los Blancos viewed the midfielder as a prime target, and many expected a deal to come together smoothly.
However, negotiations hit unexpected roadblocks regarding financial terms and the structure of the agreement. Sensing an opening, Barcelona stepped up their efforts.
Reports from Fabrizio Romano confirmed that the Catalan club’s sporting project under manager Hansi Flick has deeply impressed the midfielder.
Instead of finalizing a move to the capital, the player’s camp has given Barcelona encouragement to open official discussions. This unexpected twist has turned a seemingly one-sided race into an intense El Clasico tug-of-war.
Fabrizio Romano confirmed the latest developments saying: “Rodri has spoken to Deco and Hansi Flick and gave his green light to Barcelona in order to proceed in talks.
“Official contract proposal already in Rodri’s agent hands and Barça also made contact with Manchester City.
“Operation Rodri: full speed for Barcelona.”
Barcelona’s sudden emergence as a serious destination makes sense when looking at the club’s current sporting goals and where the club is going.
Following an unfortunate long-term injury to Frenkie de Jong, the Blaugrana need stability, vision, and leadership in the middle of the pitch. Rodri provides all of those qualities in abundance.
Furthermore, a move to Camp Nou would reunite the midfielder with several of his close national team colleagues. Playing alongside familiar faces like Lamine Yamal and other young Spanish stars could make his transition seamless.
Sources close to the player suggest he believes his style of play matches the energetic system that Flick is building in Barcelona. Despite the growing optimism from the Catalan side, completing a deal will not be easy.
Manchester City remains calm but realistic about the situation, especially with the player entering a crucial phase of his contract and recovering from recent minor surgery.
Both Spanish giants are prepared to put forward competitive transfer fees close to the €60 million range, meaning Manchester City holds strong leverage to demand maximum value.
Ultimately, transfer experts note that the final choice rests entirely in Rodri’s hands. Will he choose the long-projected path with Real Madrid or will he orchestrate a shock move to Barcelona.
No deal has been reached with both clubs as the player will be the one to decide what happens with Manchester City already knowing his decision is to leave this summer window.