JUST IN: Rodri Picks Barcelona Over Real Madrid As Negotiations Set To Begin

Barcelona are exploring a deal to sign Manchester City midfielder Rodri.

Multiple sources close to the negotiation, speaking on the condition of anonymity to protect relationships, say Barca have held talks with the player’s camp over the conditions of a potential deal, and that Rodri’s preference is to join Barca over any other club this summer.

The Barcelona project is understood to appeal to Rodri based on the fit with their footballing style and an expected smooth adaptation to a dressing room where he would be reunited with eight members of Spain’s World Cup winning squad: Joan Garcia, Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, Gavi, Dani Olmo, Pedri, Ferran Torres and Lamine Yamal.

The Athletic reported on July 24 that Real Madrid were working on a deal for Rodri, operating on the basis that an agreement could be reached for the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner.

As reported in the Transfer DealSheet, personal terms with the the midfielder are not expected to be an issue for Madrid, but negotiations with Manchester City over a fee were yet to be sorted. Madrid, who are aware of Barcelona’s pursuit of Rodri, maintain their interest in the Spain international.

Read Also: Yamal, Pedri, Rodri Headline Spain’s 2026 World Cup Squad

Barcelona are now also studying a move, with fellow midfielder Frenkie de Jong expected to be out for a lengthy period after tearing the medial collateral ligament in his right knee. The club would need to sell players to free up space and be in the strongest financial position to proceed with the deal.

Rodri has entered the final 12 months of his contract at City, who are aware of the interest from both Spanish clubs, and The Athletic previously reported he had shown little willingness to extend his terms.

The 30-year-old spoke in April’s international break of his wish to return to his home country during his career and play in La Liga again — although he also highlighted the appeal of representing Madrid.

Barcelona have brought in wingers Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United and Karim Adeyemi from Borussia Dortmund this summer, and a new striker remains a target following Robert Lewandowski’s departure. The club have pursued Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez throughout the window.

Rodri played a pivotal role in Spain’s 2026 World Cup win, being awarded the Golden Ball after captaining his side in all eight games at the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico. He was also named the player of the tournament when Spain won the European Championship in 2024.

Rodri joined City from Atletico in 2019 and has won four Premier League titles, the FA Cup twice, the League Cup on three occasions and the Champions League in 2023 — scoring the winning goal in the final — during his seven years at the club.

He has made 298 appearances for City, providing 28 goals and 32 assists.

The Athletic