Rodri opts for Barcelona after Real Madrid make major push

Spanish reports say Real Madrid made an “unrefusable” offer to Rodri after the Club World Cup, but the Manchester City midfielder has chosen to join Barcelona instead.

The 30-year-old Spain international had appeared increasingly likely to move to Real Madrid after several weeks of negotiations, only for the deal to take an unexpected turn when Barcelona entered the race. His agent has now confirmed that Rodri has selected the Catalan club, despite Real Madrid being regarded as the leading contenders for much of the talks.

The developments were reported by Spanish radio programme El Larguero, broadcast by Cadena SER. The report has prompted questions within Real Madrid about why a transfer the club believed it was close to securing ultimately failed to materialise.

Journalist Anton Meana, speaking on the programme, described the scale of Real Madrid’s efforts to sign the midfielder.

“Real Madrid made Rodri an offer that could not be refused after the Club World Cup, a really good offer,” Meana said.

He added that both the player and his representative had appreciated the way Real Madrid had handled the discussions.

“The agent and the player themselves value the education, sophistication and respect, as well as the way Real Madrid conducted the negotiations. The club was extremely serious about signing him and gave everything to ensure he joined,” he said.

Meana said the club’s senior leadership had also been involved in trying to complete the move.

“From the president to the chief executive, everyone at the club worked to make it possible for Rodri to wear the Real Madrid shirt. The conversations were extremely positive and continued over the past two weeks, but in the end the player decided to choose another offer,” he added.

Rodri’s decision brings an end to a period of uncertainty over his next club. He had been in discussions with Real Madrid for several weeks after expressing a desire in March to move to the Santiago Bernabeu.

However, the situation changed suddenly once Barcelona intensified their pursuit. Rodri is reported to have spoken with Barcelona manager Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco, with both men convincing him of the club’s sporting project.

The midfielder agreed personal terms with Barcelona on Thursday, according to the reports.

Rodri’s choice is a significant setback for Real Madrid, who had been considered the favourites to secure one of the most sought-after midfielders in Europe. The club’s attempts included a proposal presented after the Club World Cup and negotiations that involved figures at the highest levels of the organisation.

Despite those efforts, Barcelona’s late intervention persuaded Rodri to take a different path. The player is now close to leaving Manchester City for the Catalan club, although the reports do not provide further details about the final transfer arrangements.