Barcelona waiting in the wings as shock Rodri move emerges
Real Madrid remain favorites for the midfielder, but Barcelona are monitoring the situation in case talks with Manchester City collapse.

Barcelona are refusing to stay on the sidelines as Rodri’s future develops, with the Catalan club closely monitoring negotiations between the midfielder, Manchester City and Real Madrid.
Sources at Barça have positioned the club to take advantage if talks between those parties fail to produce an agreement, potentially creating an opportunity that seemed impossible just a few weeks ago.
Barcelona keeping an eye on Rodri’s situation
It could be because of Frenkie de Jong’s injury, Rodri’s outstanding performance at the World Cup, where he was named the tournament’s best player, or simply a desire to complicate a move for their biggest rival.
Whatever the reason, Barcelona have made their interest known to Manchester City and asked to be kept informed about the midfielder’s contractual situation.
Rodri has just one year remaining on his contract with City and has already indicated his desire to return to Spain at the age of 30.
Real Madrid remain favorites, but doubts are emerging
Real Madrid are currently considered the team leading the race for Rodri, despite the fact that the midfielder was not viewed as one of their top priorities until recently.
However, City’s financial demands appear to have caused some hesitation at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Barcelona have informed Manchester City that if the English club are willing to negotiate Rodri’s departure, they should consider Barça as another potential destination.
Rodri takes home the adidas Golden Ball 🏆@adidasfootball pic.twitter.com/duxTkrH5Bd
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 20, 2026
Barcelona’s interest does not match their main priorities
That willingness to negotiate appears to conflict with Barcelona’s current transfer priorities.
The club’s main focus is strengthening the center-forward position, while the midfield is already considered well covered despite De Jong’s absence.
For now, Barcelona appear to be a secondary player in the Rodri negotiations, but they are watching closely in case the situation takes an unexpected turn.
A scenario that seemed unthinkable less than two weeks ago could now create a transfer battle involving Spain’s two biggest clubs.
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