Rodri has made it clear that Real Madrid would be his only choice if he leaves Manchester City, despite Barcelona exploring the possibility of signing the Spain midfielder.
The 29-year-old has one year remaining on his contract at Manchester City and has attracted interest from several leading European clubs. Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich are among those to have considered a move, while Barcelona have recently made enquiries about his situation.
However, according to Spanish newspaper AS, Rodri is focused exclusively on joining Real Madrid should he depart the Premier League champions. His preference for returning to La Liga and to his home city has helped shape his position, even as a number of clubs assess whether they could secure his signature.
Rodri’s performances at the World Cup have also strengthened Real Madrid’s interest. The club are understood to have been encouraged by Jose Mourinho’s approval of the potential move and are studying the practicalities of reaching an agreement with Manchester City.
The player’s intentions are reportedly well known to the clubs monitoring him. Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich have stepped back from attempts to sign him after recognising his desire to wear Real Madrid’s white shirt.
Barcelona, meanwhile, have limited their involvement to contact with people close to the midfielder. They have not yet approached Manchester City directly, according to Spanish radio station Cadena SER.
Barcelona’s interest was prompted in part by an injury to Frenkie de Jong, which increased the club’s need to consider alternatives in midfield. Even so, the Catalan club have other priorities in the transfer market and are aware that Rodri’s preference may make a deal particularly difficult.
Their main objectives are to complete the signing of Joao Cancelo and recruit a striker following the departure of Robert Lewandowski. Barcelona have also spent €110m on Anthony Gordon, Karim Adeyemi and Jesse Bissio, making it extremely difficult for them to commit a further €75m to bring in Rodri.
Manchester City are asking for €75m to allow the midfielder to leave, but Real Madrid are optimistic that the price can be reduced. The Spanish club’s preferred fee is understood to be about €60m.
Real Madrid are approaching the potential transfer with confidence, although they remain cautious because of squad-registration limitations. Rodri’s arrival would depend on at least one player leaving, with only one place currently available in the squad.
The situation is further complicated by the presence of Yan Diomande and Rodri. With both players potentially arriving, Real Madrid would not have room for either of them unless another departure creates an additional place.
