Barcelona targets Manchester City’s Rodri amid Real Madrid interest

By Rohan Gupta — 6 August 2026 — 3 min read

Barcelona is reportedly exploring a deal to sign Manchester City midfielder Rodri. The Spain captain is also a target for Real Madrid, with both Spanish giants showing interest as Rodri enters the final year of his contract at City.

Sources indicate that Barcelona has held discussions with Rodri’s representatives regarding potential deal conditions. Rodri’s preference is said to be a move to Barcelona over other clubs this summer. The Barcelona project is believed to appeal to Rodri due to its footballing style and the prospect of reuniting with eight members of Spain’s World Cup-winning squad.

Interest from Spanish Giants

Real Madrid has been working on a deal for Rodri, operating on the basis that an agreement could be reached with the midfielder. Personal terms with Rodri are not expected to be an issue for Madrid, but negotiations with Manchester City over a fee were still pending. Madrid is aware of Barcelona’s pursuit of Rodri and maintains its interest in the Spain international.

Barcelona’s interest has intensified, particularly with midfielder Frenkie de Jong expected to be out for an extended period due to a torn medial collateral ligament in his right knee. To facilitate a deal for Rodri, Barcelona would need to sell players to free up space and strengthen their financial position. City, however, does not want to sell their key player and hopes he will agree to a new long-term contract at the Etihad under Enzo Maresca.

Rodri had back surgery after the World Cup and is currently recovering. He is expected to miss the Community Shield game against Arsenal and the opening Premier League fixture of the season.

Rodri’s Potential Fit and Financial Considerations

Rodri’s contract at City runs until mid-2027. One report suggests City would be willing to discuss a transfer fee starting from €60 million. Barcelona is reportedly planning significant investments this summer, with the club’s financial position expected to improve due to their return to the Camp Nou and the departure of players like Robert Lewandowski.

The structure at Barcelona could offer a more stable environment for Rodri’s playing style. His ability to dictate play and anchor the midfield would seamlessly fit into Hansi Flick’s tactical approach, which is described as similar to Pep Guardiola’s City. Flick’s team was stylistically similar to Rodri’s City last season, focusing on ball circulation and dominating territory.

Rodri played a pivotal role in Spain’s 2026 World Cup win, receiving the Golden Ball award after captaining his side throughout the tournament. He also won the player of the tournament when Spain won the European Championship in 2024. During his seven years at City, Rodri has made 298 appearances, scoring 28 goals and providing 32 assists.

He joined City from Atletico Madrid in 2019 and has won four Premier League titles, two FA Cups, three League Cups, and the Champions League in 2023, where he scored the winning goal in the final.

The midfielder spoke in April’s international break about his desire to return to his home country during his career and play in La Liga again, while also highlighting the appeal of representing Madrid. Barcelona has already brought in wingers Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United and Karim Adeyemi from Borussia Dortmund this summer.

Real Madrid’s president, Florentino Perez, faced criticism upon his re-election due to the club having few Spanish players at this summer’s World Cup. Madrid signed Marc Cucurella from Chelsea as the tournament began, and a move for Rodri is reportedly supported by everyone at the club. Madrid is considering its next steps, including whether to increase their offer.

According to one report, Barcelona has reached a personal agreement with the 30-year-old world champion, and official contact with City is expected in the coming hours.

Source: skysports.com