Real Madrid are reportedly becoming increasingly confident that they will sign Rodri this summer, with Spain’s captain believed to be ready to return to the city where he was born.
The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner has just one year remaining on his contract with Manchester City, a situation that has attracted interest from several European giants during this summer’s transfer window, including Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid.
Interest in Rodri comes as no surprise following his outstanding performances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, where he captained Spain to their second world title in history.
As the transfer window progresses, all indications suggest that the 30-year-old’s preferred destination is a return to La Liga to wear the famous white shirt of Real Madrid.
However, just as a deal appeared to be moving closer, another major contender has entered the race.
According to AS Diario, Real Madrid’s eternal rivals Barcelona have joined the battle in an attempt to persuade the four-time Premier League-winning midfielder to move to Camp Nou instead.
The Catalan club are seeking reinforcements in midfield following Frenkie de Jong’s long-term injury and have reportedly contacted Manchester City to explore the possibility of reaching an agreement.
Although Barcelona are the reigning La Liga champions and could offer Rodri an exciting new challenge, reports claim that the midfielder has only one preferred destination: Santiago Bernabéu.
The same source adds that Barcelona’s hierarchy were already aware of the player’s preference before making their formal approach.
Despite the need to replace De Jong, Barcelona believe they have promising alternatives from their academy who are capable of filling the role, including Marc Bernal and Marc Casadó.
Meanwhile, Barcelona’s main priorities in the current transfer window are reportedly the return of João Cancelo and the signing of a new striker to replace Robert Lewandowski, who left the club earlier this summer and has since joined Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire.
