Rodri’s Madrid ambition puts Barcelona on the back foot in transfer race

Rodri has made it clear that he wants to join Real Madrid if he leaves Manchester City, despite Barcelona showing recent interest in signing the Spain midfielder.

The 29-year-old has one year remaining on his contract at Manchester City and has attracted attention from a number of leading European clubs. Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich have also considered a move for the midfielder, but Rodri is understood to have only one preferred destination should he return to Spain.

According to Spanish newspaper AS, Rodri’s priority is to wear the white shirt of Real Madrid. His preference is known to the clubs monitoring his situation, and his stance has influenced the decisions of several potential suitors.

Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich have stepped back from attempts to sign the player after recognising his desire to move to the Spanish capital. Barcelona, meanwhile, have made contact with people close to Rodri but have not yet approached Manchester City directly, according to radio station Cadena SER.

Barcelona’s interest was partly prompted by an injury to Frenkie de Jong. However, the Catalan club now understands that Rodri’s first choice is Real Madrid rather than a move to Camp Nou.

Rodri’s wish to return to La Liga and to his home city has strengthened Real Madrid’s interest. His impressive performances at the World Cup and the approval of Jose Mourinho have also encouraged the club to examine the possibility of bringing him to the Bernabeu.

Real Madrid are optimistic about completing a deal, although they remain cautious over the financial and squad implications. Manchester City are asking for €75m to allow Rodri to leave, while Real Madrid believe that figure could be negotiated down.

The Spanish club would prefer to complete the transfer for about €60m. Any move would also depend on at least one player leaving, because Real Madrid currently have only one available place in their squad.

With both Yan Diomande and Rodri being considered, there would not be room for both players. The club would therefore need to resolve that situation before completing the midfielder’s arrival.

Barcelona also have other priorities in the transfer market. Their main aims are to finalise a deal for Joao Cancelo and recruit a striker following Robert Lewandowski’s departure.

The club’s spending plans are another obstacle to a move for Rodri. Barcelona have already committed €110m to sign Anthony Gordon, Karim Adeyemi and Jesse Bissouma, making it very difficult for them to spend a further €75m on the Manchester City midfielder.

While Barcelona’s recent interest has added competition to the situation, Rodri’s preference has placed Real Madrid in the strongest position. The midfielder would favour a return to Spain with the Spanish capital club if an agreement can be reached with Manchester City.