Rodri transfer could give Barcelona a second chance to land their long-term midfield target

Barcelona have renewed their interest in Manchester City midfielder Rodri as they look to cover the prolonged absence of Frenkie de Jong, potentially giving them an opportunity to complete a deal they first tried to arrange nine years ago.

Rodri has returned to the centre of the transfer market after Barcelona entered negotiations for the Spain international. Until recently, the 30-year-old had appeared close to joining Real Madrid, before Barcelona made a stronger move for his signature.

According to Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona identified Rodri in 2017 as a possible long-term successor to Sergio Busquets. However, the Catalan club acted too late, with the midfielder already well advanced in discussions over a return to Atletico de Madrid.

The original approach dates back to December 2017, when Rodri was playing for Villarreal. He had come through the Atletico de Madrid academy and was beginning to attract significant attention through his performances for Villarreal and Spain Under-21s.

Barcelona had been monitoring his development for some time and believed he had the qualities to become the player who would eventually replace Busquets. The club then began making enquiries about the possibility of signing him.

By the time those discussions became serious, however, Rodri had already given preliminary approval to a move back to Atletico de Madrid. The transfer was not officially announced until May 2018.

Villarreal had previously extended Rodri’s contract until June 2022, while increasing his release clause from 12m euros to 25m euros. Mundo Deportivo reported that the decision reflected Villarreal’s awareness of growing interest from several clubs, including Barcelona, and gave them greater protection in negotiations over his eventual departure.

Rodri ultimately joined Atletico de Madrid for 25m euros, made up of 20m euros in guaranteed payments and a further 5m euros in bonuses and other variables.

His time in Madrid lasted only one season. In the summer of 2019, Manchester City paid the 70m-euro release clause in his Atletico contract to bring him to the Premier League.

Since then, Rodri has become one of the most important players in Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City side. He reached the peak of his individual career by winning the Ballon d’Or in 2024, while also helping Spain win the European Championship.

The midfielder now has one year remaining on his Manchester City contract. Barcelona are eager to settle the situation, particularly after Rodri had appeared close to moving to Real Madrid before their renewed involvement in the negotiations.

Should Barcelona complete the signing, they would close a circle that began in 2017. Their first attempt to recruit Rodri was intended to prepare for life after Busquets, but the club’s approach came after the player had already chosen his next destination. This time, Barcelona hope their intervention can prevent another missed opportunity.