Manchester City and Barcelona have reached a final agreement for the transfer of Spain midfielder Rodri to the Catalan club, with an official announcement expected in the coming hours.
The deal follows several weeks of negotiations during which Barcelona made three offers for the player. If completed as expected, the move will give Barcelona one of the most sought-after midfielders in the transfer market, while leaving Real Madrid facing renewed questions over its own recruitment strategy.
Real Madrid failed to secure Rodri and has not yet moved for a replacement capable of performing a similar role. The club’s lack of action has attracted criticism from sections of the Spanish media, particularly because of the team’s need for a player able to control the rhythm of matches, circulate possession smoothly and connect midfield with attack.
Rodri was viewed as a player capable of fulfilling those responsibilities and helping Real Madrid improve its attacking transitions.
Speaking on the programme Carrusel Deportivo, journalist Bruno Alemany said he could not understand why Real Madrid had not strengthened in midfield despite recognising the importance of the position.
Alemany noted that Bernardo Silva had performed well in recent friendly matches, but argued that he could not reproduce every aspect of Rodri’s contribution.
He described the club’s approach as a repeat of previous mistakes in sporting planning and said failing to search for an alternative after the Rodri deal began to fall through was “completely illogical”, especially given that Real Madrid had been targeting a top-level midfielder.
Journalist Tomas Roncero also suggested that manager Jose Mourinho could turn to Bernardo Silva in an attempt to resolve the team’s midfield problems. However, he rejected the idea that Rodri was the only player requested by the manager.
Roncero said there was still uncertainty over why Real Madrid had not pursued another midfielder with comparable qualities. At present, the club does not appear to be planning to sign a new player in that position, despite the availability of potential alternatives.
One of the most obvious options is Martin Zubimendi, who is regarded as one of Rodri’s natural replacements in the Spain national team. However, Real Madrid is reportedly directing more of its attention towards strengthening its attacking options.
According to Roncero’s assessment, Real Madrid already possess one of the strongest attacks in Europe. The club’s forward line, however, may not be enough to secure success in the biggest competitions if the midfield lacks the control and balance needed to support it.
Journalist Marcos Lopez warned that Real Madrid could repeat the experience of the France national team, which had a powerful attack at the World Cup but struggled when faced with Spain’s ability to dominate possession and control matches.
The concern, therefore, is becoming clearer as the new season approaches. Real Madrid could have an imposing attacking arsenal, but the squad may still lack a midfielder capable of giving the team the intelligence, balance and authority required to link its lines and dictate the pace of play.
Rodri’s expected move to Barcelona has sharpened that concern. While Barcelona would strengthen a key area with one of the market’s most prominent midfielders, Real Madrid’s decision not to pursue an alternative has left its own midfield plans under increasing scrutiny.
