Rodri has reportedly chosen Barcelona over Real Madrid, with several Catalan and Spanish media outlets claiming the Manchester City midfielder has given the Catalan club permission to begin working towards a potential move.
The reports represent a significant setback for Real Madrid, who had also been linked with the Spain international. According to Mundo Deportivo, Sport and Marca, Rodri currently favours Barcelona’s sporting project rather than a transfer to the Spanish capital.
Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has also backed the reports, adding weight to the growing belief that Barcelona are now in a stronger position to pursue the midfielder.
No agreement has been announced, but the latest claims suggest Rodri is closer than ever to a move to Camp Nou. The reports consistently place Barcelona ahead of Real Madrid in the player’s thinking and describe the midfielder as having opened the door for the club to make an approach.
Rodri’s reported preference places the focus firmly on Barcelona as speculation continues over his future at Manchester City. The midfielder remains the central figure in a developing transfer story involving three of Europe’s most prominent clubs: Manchester City, Barcelona and Real Madrid.
The claims come from multiple outlets rather than a single source. Mundo Deportivo and Sport, both based in Catalonia, have reported that Rodri has approved Barcelona’s efforts to explore a deal. Madrid-based publication Marca has reached the same conclusion, while Fabrizio Romano has independently confirmed the direction of the reports.
That apparent agreement among the publications has increased expectations that Barcelona could attempt to advance negotiations. It also provides a clear indication that Rodri’s preference, according to the reports, is the project at Barcelona rather than a return to Spain with Real Madrid.
For the moment, the reports concern the player’s position and Barcelona’s proposed approach, rather than a completed transfer. Rodri is still described as a Manchester City player, while the potential move to Camp Nou remains at the stage of reported interest and preparation.
The main development is therefore Rodri’s alleged decision to favour Barcelona. His approval is said to have allowed the club to begin taking steps towards signing him, while Real Madrid appear to have been pushed behind their Spanish rivals in the race.
The story leaves Barcelona with the strongest reported momentum and gives the Catalan club an important advantage as Rodri’s future continues to attract attention. Any eventual move would still need to progress beyond the player’s reported preference, but the latest coverage presents Barcelona as his leading destination.
