Rodri’s Barcelona switch leaves Real Madrid’s former praise under scrutiny

Rodri Hernandez’s decision to join Barcelona rather than Real Madrid has prompted journalist David Sanchez to mock what he described as a dramatic change in the Spanish media’s assessment of the Spain captain.

The transfer has been widely debated in Spain, particularly because some outlets associated with Real Madrid have responded differently after the club failed to convince the Manchester City midfielder to join them.

Sanchez said the narrative surrounding Rodri had changed sharply since the player chose Barcelona and rejected Real Madrid. Speaking on the La Tribu programme on Radio Marca, he recalled how highly the midfielder had been regarded only a few weeks earlier.

“Just three weeks ago, Rodri was a strategic signing, the best midfielder in the world and the man who would give Jose Mourinho’s team the structure it needed for next season,” Sanchez said.

But, according to Sanchez, that assessment altered once Rodri’s decision became clear.

“However, Rodri chose Barcelona and rejected Real Madrid, and since then the narrative has changed. Rodri has become old and almost finished, with major concerns about him suffering another injury, as well as his high salary,” he added.

Sanchez also ridiculed the suggestion that Real Madrid’s failure to sign Rodri could be presented as a positive outcome for the club.

“Their argument is that they managed to dodge a bullet. We should laugh; in fact, we should admire them,” he said.

The journalist argued that Barcelona had secured a double advantage by completing the deal. In his view, the Catalan club had not only acquired a player he considers the world’s best defensive midfielder, but had also prevented Rodri from joining their biggest domestic rival.

“It is a completely successful signing for Barcelona and for Joan Laporta, because the club has not only signed the best defensive midfielder in the world, but has also taken him away from their eternal rivals, Real Madrid,” Sanchez said.

He ended his comments by contrasting the players chosen by the two clubs, referring to Real Madrid’s signing of Diamonde and Barcelona’s capture of Rodri.

“Real Madrid have Diamonde, and Barcelona have Rodri. We will see what happens at the end of the season,” Sanchez said.

Rodri’s move has therefore become a focal point for discussion beyond the transfer itself. The debate has centred on the contrast between the praise he reportedly received before making his choice and the more sceptical tone that followed his decision to represent Barcelona instead of Real Madrid.

For Sanchez, that contrast illustrates how the evaluation of a player can shift according to the club he joins. Barcelona view the deal as a major gain, while the reaction from sections of the Real Madrid media has included questions over Rodri’s age, injury record and salary.