Rodri agrees Barcelona transfer as Real Madrid face brutal hijack for Man City star

6 Aug 2026 18:02 BST | 4 min read

Suraj Radia | Editor

Make us your Google favourite

Rodri has opened the door for Barcelona to perform a stunning hijack of his move to Real Madrid after a transfer for the Manchester City star stalled.

Article continues under the video

Real Madrid had been working on a deal for Rodri but they failed to agree a fee with City despite weeks of negotiations, while they have also yet to clear a spot in their squad for the 30-year-old.

The situation has allowed Barcelona to pounce, with The Athletic confirming that Rodri has indicated his preference to move to the Catalans over any other side.

Talks have been held with the Spanish international’s camp and Barcelona have accelerated towards a move, although any deal will cost in excess of €50 million.

Although no deal has been struck, multiple sources in Spain have confirmed that Rodri will not be moving to Real Madrid, with the player’s representatives growing frustrated at the lack of progress in talks with City despite an agreement of personal terms.

City are believed to be respectful of Rodri’s choice and will entertain negotiations over a deal but they are thought to be holding out for a fee closer to €70m, with a formal offer not yet placed by Barcelona.

Barcelona make move for Rodri after Real Madrid fail to secure Man City transfer

Rodri is into the last year of his contract with City and he is keen to leave for a new challenge, with Barcelona deemed as his preferred option due to his suitability to their play style as well as the presence of several of his international teammates.

© IMAGO - Rodri has given the green light for Barcelona to sign him.

Barcelona had been holding out on utilising their transfer budget in the hopes of being able to sign Julian Alvarez, however Atletico Madrid have again insisted this week that they will not allow their star man to leave for less than his €500m release clause.

The hardline stance over Alvarez, combined with Frenkie De Jong set for a spell on the sidelines through injury, has led to Barca to take advantage of a market opportunity in signing Rodri, with Hansi Flick already having spoken to the player to outline his plans.

Real Madrid’s plan for Rodri was believed to have involved selling another midfielder such as Eduardo Camavinga in order to clear up room in their full squad, however the Frenchman has reiterated that he will not leave the club this summer.

Madrid will now be forced to miss out on their top midfield target until they clear the log jam, although the now-confirmed signing of Yan Diomande will not be an issue due to the player being under the age of 23, making him exempt from the squad limit.