Barcelona ready to make move for Rodri if Real Madrid deal collapses

Barcelona are preparing to explore a move for Manchester City midfielder Rodri if the Spain international does not eventually join Real Madrid and is willing to consider a move to Catalonia.

The possibility is being assessed as the club continues its work on building a squad capable of competing throughout the 2026-27 season. Although Hansi Flick’s side have enjoyed two impressive campaigns, sporting director Deco and his closest advisers want to strengthen the project with players of the highest quality.

According to Sport, Barcelona’s current priority is the signing of a recognised centre-forward. However, the club’s officials are not ruling out reinforcement in other positions if suitable opportunities emerge in the transfer market.

Barcelona’s interest in Rodri has developed despite Real Madrid being regarded as the leading candidates to win the race for his signature. A week after Catalunya Radio reported that Barcelona had asked Manchester City about the midfielder’s situation, Cadena SER reiterated that the Catalan club is monitoring negotiations between Rodri and Real Madrid “with great interest”.

The report says Barcelona are considering whether to make a formal approach for the Spain midfielder should he fail to move to Santiago Bernabeu. Any potential deal would also depend on Rodri being prepared to join Barcelona.

According to Cadena SER journalist Nil Sola, there is a belief within Barcelona that the club could complete the transfer. Rodri is considered one of the best players in the world in his position, and Barcelona would regard a substantial financial effort to sign him as justified.

However, the club would need a clear indication from the player that he wanted to make the move. Without Rodri’s willingness to join, Barcelona’s interest would not progress into a serious attempt to complete the transfer.

Midfield question reopened

Deco and Flick believe their midfield already offers enough options across the squad. That assessment has been challenged by the uncertainty created after Frenkie de Jong’s injury, which has opened the door to a different possibility for Barcelona’s planning.

The club’s preference remains focused on adding a striker, but the situation surrounding Rodri has encouraged Barcelona to examine whether a high-profile midfield signing could become realistic. The club is therefore keeping a close watch on developments involving the player and Real Madrid.

Rodri remains the subject of interest from the Spanish giants, while Barcelona’s position is conditional rather than an active confirmation that a deal will be pursued. If the midfielder does not move to Santiago Bernabeu, and if he signals that he would accept a transfer to Barcelona, the Catalan club believes it may have a route to make the deal happen.

For now, Barcelona are continuing to assess the market and the effect of De Jong’s injury on their midfield options as they prepare for the 2026-27 campaign.