Rodri’s future swings towards Barcelona after agent reveals Real Madrid decision

Rodri has told Real Madrid that he intends to join Barcelona, according to his agent, ending weeks of speculation over the Manchester City midfielder’s future.

The 30-year-old had held discussions with Real Madrid for several weeks and was understood to favour a move to the Santiago Bernabeu after expressing that preference in March. However, the transfer picture changed dramatically when Barcelona stepped up their interest.

Rodri has spoken with Barcelona manager Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco during the club’s pursuit of him. The pair reportedly convinced him of the direction of the Catalan club’s sporting project, with the player agreeing personal terms with Barcelona on Thursday.

His representative, Pablo Barquero, outlined the decision during an interview with Spanish radio station Cadena SER. He said Rodri had informed Real Madrid that Barcelona was his preferred destination.

“Out of respect for Real Madrid, because they were highly professional, Rodri told them that his decision was to join Barcelona,” Barquero said, in comments reported by the British newspaper the Mirror.

Real Madrid had made what Barquero described as an attractive offer for the midfielder, but Rodri has chosen Barcelona in a major twist to a deal in which the Spanish capital club had appeared to be the leading contender.

Barcelona’s interest has been driven in part by their need for greater depth in midfield. Frenkie de Jong’s injury is expected to keep him out for several months, and the club considers Rodri an ideal player to fill the gap.

Barcelona also believe Rodri has moved beyond his recent physical problems and returned to his best form. He played a prominent role in Spain’s World Cup triumph last month and was awarded the Golden Ball as the tournament’s outstanding player after an impressive campaign under manager Luis de la Fuente.

Despite the latest development, Manchester City have not abandoned hope of retaining Rodri. The midfielder has entered the final year of his current contract, giving the club a potential opportunity to negotiate his future.

City officials are aware that Rodri is interested in returning to Spain, but manager Enzo Maresca is determined to keep one of the team’s most important players.

“It is very important that he is with us. Any coach in the world wants Rodri because he is a top-level player, so his presence is important to me, to the club and to everyone,” Maresca said earlier this week.

City’s position appears increasingly difficult, however, with Rodri’s preference for a return to La Liga and Barcelona’s determination to complete the transfer.

Barcelona are understood to have greater room under their wage cap following Robert Lewandowski’s departure. They also appear prepared to find the money needed to persuade Manchester City to enter negotiations, having offered about £100m to Atletico Madrid for Argentina forward Julian Alvarez in June.

Rodri has spent seven years at Manchester City, winning four Premier League titles, one Champions League and two FA Cups.

He also won the Ballon d’Or in 2024 after helping Spain claim the European Championship that year.

If he leaves, Rodri would be among the most significant players to depart Manchester City during a summer of major change within the squad.