Barcelona believe they could make a major move for Manchester City midfielder Rodri if his proposed transfer to Real Madrid does not happen, with the Catalan club monitoring the situation “with great interest”.
The Spanish midfielder is widely regarded as Real Madrid’s leading target, but Barcelona are considering whether to enter the race if he ultimately decides against moving to the Bernabeu and is open to joining their rivals.
Barcelona are continuing their work on building a squad capable of competing during the 2026-27 season. Although Hansi Flick’s side have enjoyed two impressive seasons, sporting director Deco and his closest advisers want to strengthen the project by adding players of the highest quality.
According to Sport, Barcelona’s principal priority at present is to sign an out-and-out striker. However, the club’s decision-makers are not ruling out reinforcements in other positions if suitable opportunities emerge in the transfer market.
The possibility of a move for Rodri has come into sharper focus during the past week. Catalunya Radio first reported that Barcelona had asked Manchester City about the midfielder’s situation, while Cadena SER has now reiterated the club’s strong interest in developments involving the player and Real Madrid.
Nils Sola, a journalist for Cadena SER, said there is a belief within Barcelona that the club could carry out the transfer. The midfielder is considered one of the best players in the world in his position and, in the view of those at the club, would justify a significant financial effort.
Any deal would also depend on Rodri showing that he is willing to move to Barcelona. Without the player’s approval, the Catalan club would not be in a position to complete the operation, regardless of its assessment of his quality or its ability to finance the transfer.
Midfield doubts reopen possibility
Deco and Flick believe Barcelona already have sufficient options in midfield. That view has been challenged by the uncertainty created after Frenkie de Jong’s injury, which has opened the door to a different approach in planning the squad.
The injury has not led Barcelona to abandon their existing priorities, with a central striker still regarded as the main requirement. It has, however, encouraged the club to examine whether an exceptional opportunity in midfield should be pursued.
Rodri’s future therefore remains central to the developing transfer picture. Real Madrid are still viewed as the favourites to secure his signature, but Barcelona are watching closely and could consider making their own move if the expected switch to the Bernabeu fails to materialise.
For now, there is no indication that Barcelona have completed an agreement with either the player or Manchester City. Their position is one of active assessment: they are following the negotiations, evaluating the financial demands and waiting to see whether Rodri would be prepared to choose Barcelona.
The club’s interest represents a potential complication for Real Madrid, who remain the leading candidates in the race. It also underlines Barcelona’s intention to add elite-level talent to Flick’s squad as they prepare for the 2026-27 campaign.
