Barcelona have intensified their efforts to sign Manchester City midfielder Rodri after manager Hansi Flick spoke directly to the Spain international about the club’s sporting project.
Flick’s phone call, made in recent hours, was intended to persuade Rodri to give priority to a move to Barcelona. According to Spanish newspaper Sport, the conversation underlines the seriousness of Barcelona’s interest and has altered the direction of negotiations, particularly as Real Madrid have been slow to take decisive steps towards completing a deal.
Rodri had previously appeared increasingly likely to join Real Madrid, with most indications over recent weeks pointing towards a move to the Spanish capital. However, he is now understood to be considering Barcelona as a genuine option, leaving the two La Liga rivals competing for one of the most sought-after midfielders in the transfer market.
Barcelona view Rodri as an outstanding opportunity, although the club do not intend to pay an excessive fee to secure his signature. Their admiration for his ability is not in doubt, with the midfielder regarded as a player capable of strengthening Flick’s plans and providing greater control in the centre of the pitch.
Sport reports that Barcelona sporting director Deco has continued speaking to people close to Rodri. He has also made preliminary enquiries with a Manchester City official to establish the English club’s position, with Barcelona’s interest developing significantly in recent days.
The club’s efforts to influence Rodri’s decision have not been limited to its coaching and recruitment departments. Several Barcelona players are also reported to have spoken to the midfielder during Spain gatherings, including around the World Cup and afterwards.
Lamine Yamal was among those who discussed life at Barcelona with Rodri. The players are said to have described the atmosphere inside the dressing room and praised the project being led by Flick, in an attempt to encourage the midfielder to accept a move to Camp Nou.
Despite their growing interest, Barcelona’s first priority in the transfer market remains strengthening their attack. The Catalan club does not, however, want to miss the chance to sign a player of Rodri’s stature.
Rodri is considered one of the best defensive midfielders in world football and is the winner of the Ballon d’Or. He also has only one year remaining on his contract with Manchester City, a factor that has increased interest in his situation and made his future a major focus of the transfer window.
Barcelona are waiting for a firm decision from Rodri before moving on to financial negotiations. Club officials reportedly appreciate that he has paused his discussions with Real Madrid while he considers all of his options.
There is also an awareness at Barcelona that the situation cannot remain unresolved indefinitely. The club believe the midfielder’s decision will determine whether they progress towards formal talks, but they also recognise that the opportunity to secure him may not remain available for long.
Rodri’s potential move had appeared to be heading towards Real Madrid, but Barcelona’s intervention has changed the balance of the contest. With Flick making a personal approach and players including Yamal reinforcing the appeal of the club’s project, the Spain international’s next destination is now considered open.
