Rodri reportedly gives Barcelona preference over Real Madrid in future move

Rodri has reportedly given Barcelona the go-ahead to begin exploring a move for him, with a collective wave of reports from Catalan and Spanish media claiming the Manchester City midfielder favours the club’s sporting project over a transfer to Real Madrid.

The development represents a significant setback for Real Madrid, who are also understood to be interested in the Spain international. According to Mundo Deportivo, Sport and Marca, Rodri is now closer than ever to a move to Barcelona.

The claims were further backed by Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, whose confirmation added weight to the reports that the 30-year-old has made his preference clear.

There has been no suggestion in the reports that a transfer has been completed, but they indicate that Barcelona have received permission to start working towards a possible deal. Rodri’s reported decision would give the Catalan club encouragement as they assess the prospect of bringing one of the leading midfielders in world football to Camp Nou.

The reports are notable because they present a united view across several major Spanish publications. Mundo Deportivo and Sport, both closely associated with Barcelona coverage, have reported the player’s preference for the club. Marca, which traditionally focuses on Real Madrid, has also been included among the outlets reporting the same development.

That apparent agreement has strengthened the belief that Barcelona currently hold the advantage in the race for Rodri’s signature. The midfielder is said to have chosen the sporting plans offered by the Catalan club ahead of the possibility of joining Real Madrid.

Rodri’s status as a Manchester City player remains central to the situation. Any potential move would involve negotiations with the English club, although the reports focus on the player’s position and his willingness to allow Barcelona to begin taking steps towards a transfer.

For now, the main indication is that Rodri’s preferred destination is Barcelona rather than Real Madrid. The reports suggest the player has effectively opened the door to a move to Camp Nou, placing the Catalan club in a stronger position at this stage.

The story marks a potentially important moment in the midfielder’s future. While no completed transfer has been announced, the agreement among the Spanish media outlets and Fabrizio Romano’s confirmation have turned Rodri’s reported preference for Barcelona into a major talking point.

For Real Madrid, the news amounts to a blow in their efforts to attract the Manchester City star. For Barcelona, it offers an early boost as they consider whether they can turn Rodri’s reported approval into an agreement to bring him to Camp Nou.