Barcelona and Real Madrid battle to sign Manchester City star Rodri
Barcelona have joined rivals Real Madrid in the race to sign Manchester City midfielder Rodri this summer as he enters the final year of his contract.
The 30-year-old recently captained Spain to their first World Cup victory in 16 years, earning the tournament’s Most Valuable Player award.
His outstanding international performances have attracted intense interest from La Liga’s two most prestigious clubs.
De Jong injury prompts Catalan interest
Barcelona entered the pursuit after learning Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong will face a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a severe knee injury.
The Catalan giants would need to offload existing squad members to finance a move for the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner.
Club officials hope the presence of several Spanish international team-mates at the Nou Camp will persuade the former Villarreal man to choose them over the capital.
Manchester City demand premium fee
The Premier League champions remain desperate to retain their talismanic midfielder ahead of the new campaign.
New manager Enzo Maresca views the Spanish international as the foundational piece of his tactical rebuild.
Despite City’s profound desire to agree fresh terms, the player has given no indication he intends to extend his stay in Manchester.
Senior executives will demand a transfer fee that accurately reflects his status as one of world football’s elite talents if a sale becomes unavoidable.
Lure of a return to Spain
With less than 12 months remaining on his current deal, City face the very real prospect of losing their star asset for a reduced fee or for nothing next year.
The defensive midfield maestro has previously spoken openly about his desire to experience domestic football in his homeland once again.
“Would I like to play in Spain again, in La Liga, in Madrid? I would like to return, yes, obviously.”
“Having played for Atletico before would not prevent me from playing for Real Madrid … there are other players who have done that before.”
“I have one year left on my contract. There will come a point where we will have to sit down and talk.”
The highly sought-after midfielder is currently enjoying an extended break following minor back surgery and his international exploits.