Barcelona Don't Want Rodri Joining Real Madrid

As Rodri's future becomes one of the summer's most closely watched transfer sagas, it has emerged that Barcelona have quietly entered the race. According to Diario AS, the Catalan club is closely tracking Real Madrid's negotiations with the Spanish midfielder and are prepared to step in should the two parties fail to reach an agreement. The report notes Real Madrid remain comfortably in pole position for now, and Barcelona are fully aware of that, but want to be ready in case the deal collapses.

Real Madrid's advantage stems from the fact that Rodri himself prefers a move to the Bernabeu over Barcelona, making things difficult for the Catalans in any scenario. Still, according to the report, Barcelona have long needed a quality "six" like Rodri, which is why Real Madrid must complete the deal as soon as possible — the player's addition would benefit both clubs almost equally.

Rodri, who won the Golden Ball at the 2026 World Cup and played a key role in Spain's title triumph, has a contract with Manchester City running until 2027. Real Madrid have reportedly reached a verbal agreement with the player, though the transfer fee negotiations with City have yet to be finalised. As long as that uncertainty persists, Barcelona are expected to remain waiting in the wings.

Source: Diario AS
Image: Hürriyet