Real Madrid Spend Weeks Trying To Sign Rodri Before He Decides He Wants Barcelona Instead

Barcelona have moved ahead of Real Madrid in the race to sign Rodri after the Manchester City midfielder indicated that his preferred destination is now Camp Nou.

The Spain captain had spent much of the summer being linked with Real Madrid, who had explored a move following his performances at the World Cup. Those discussions stalled, allowing Barcelona to enter the race and quickly establish themselves as Rodri’s preferred option.

Barcelona’s involvement has developed considerably faster.

Rodri has spoken with head coach Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco and has agreed personal terms with the Catalan club, having given them permission to begin negotiations with Manchester City.

There remains the relatively important matter of Manchester City agreeing to sell him.

City rejected Barcelona’s opening offer on Friday, with the bid reported at around £38.5million to £40million. The Premier League club are seeking upwards of £60million for the 30-year-old, who has entered the final year of his contract. Talks between the clubs are expected to continue despite the difference in valuation.

City had hoped to persuade Rodri to sign a new contract and remain an important part of their new era, but Barcelona’s emergence has complicated a situation which had previously appeared to involve Real Madrid as the most obvious Spanish destination.

For several weeks, the question had been whether Real Madrid could convince Manchester City to sell Rodri.

Barcelona have arrived and changed the question.

No transfer has yet been agreed between the clubs, and City’s rejection of the opening offer means considerable negotiation remains before Rodri can leave Manchester.

Real Madrid may therefore still have time to reconsider their position.

They will first have to persuade Rodri to reconsider his.