Manchester City midfielder Rodri has dropped a bombshell, officially picking Barcelona as his preferred next stop, even though he’d been heavily linked with Real Madrid for weeks. This isn’t just a rumor either, with Jijantes FC breaking the news and Fabrice Hawkins from RMC Sport already confirming it. Rodri’s decision to tell Real Madrid he’s headed elsewhere really paves the way for a wild negotiation, especially with Man City making it clear they know what their 30-year-old world champion wants.
Man City’s Tough Call and Rodri’s Staggering Price Tag
Rodri, the midfield general who was absolutely pivotal in City’s 2023 Champions League triumph and then went on to win the Ballon d’Or in 2024, has only one year left on his contract. Manchester City would have loved to keep him for another season, that’s for sure. But, and this is big, they’re reportedly ready to respect his wishes because of everything he’s given the club. That’s a classy move. Now, for the money: City is hoping for a cool €80 million for their star. However, the report indicates they might be open to an offer between €60 million and €70 million from Barcelona. It seems the two clubs still have a pretty good relationship, even after Pep Guardiola left.
De Jong’s Injury Ignites Barca’s Pursuit, But Can They Pay?
So, why the sudden full-court press from Barcelona? It all started with a serious knee ligament injury to Frenkie de Jong during the World Cup, knocking him out for four to five months. That’s a huge blow! Suddenly, Barcelona’s hierarchy, with Hansi Flick, Deco & co. leading the charge, had to dive into the market for a midfield solution. Rodri, given his world-class talent and contract situation, became the prime target. Despite facing stiff competition from Real Madrid, Barcelona has pulled ahead in this race. The burning question now is whether Barcelona can actually afford a deal of this size. Accommodating Rodri’s salary while staying within La Liga’s strict Financial Fair Play limits is going to be a massive challenge. This isn’t just about a transfer fee, it’s about the financial tightrope Barcelona has to walk.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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