FC Barcelona is “very attentive” to the future of Spain and Manchester City midfielder Rodri according to Cadena SER and SPORT, citing anonymous sources.
Radio Catalunya has already reported how Barça asked City about Rodri, who has become a top target for eternal rival Real Madrid.
At the turn of the week, however, another radio station in Cadena SER explains that the Catalans remain “very attentive” to negotiations between the Premier League outfit and Madrid.
If those break down, Barça could be prepared to make a move for the 30-year-old expected to challenge Spain teammate Lamine Yamal for the Ballon d’Or in Paris later this year.
Cadena SER’s Nil Sola says Barça is convinced that the operation could be a go, with Rodri considered a “top” player in his position.
In order for the move to materialize, however, Rodri must also show that he’s willing to don Blaugrana.
With Frenkie de Jong injured for anything between three and six months, we’ve already seen reports that Barça are looking to sign another midfielder.
Morocco and Girona star Azzedine Ounahi was put forward as one possible name, though he’d be more attacking while capable of playing on either wing.
Rodri is a different beast entirely as arguably the best defensive midfielder in the world. He’d be not only a like-for-like replacement for De Jong but also an upgrade that Marc Bernal would learn an awful lot from.
Signing Rodri would extend FC Barcelona’s domestic dominance
With Barça winning five of the six Spanish trophies on offer while Real Madrid finished the last two seasons without major silverware, bringing Rodri to the Spotify Camp Nou would only extend that dominance.
Barça is already superior in midfield to Los Blancos, who have struggled to replace Toni Kroos and Luka Modric since doing a La Liga and Champions League double in 2023/2024 under Carlo Ancelotti.
Rodri would grant Flick further control in the center of the park, while he’s also more than used to playing alongside the likes of Pau Cubarsi, Pedri and Lamine Yamal with whom he recently won the World Cup for Spain in North America.
On Sunday, SKY reported that Manchester City has set a $86.4 million (€75 million) asking price for Rodri, which would be affordable for an FC Barcelona outfit that has tabled a knocked back $115 million (€100 million) sum for Julian Alvarez.