Rodri is no longer in a straight line toward Real Madrid. Barcelona have moved from observers to active bidders, after direct contact with Rodri’s representatives and Manchester City's hierarchy. Madrid’s talks with City have stalled over the final valuation, and the fee being discussed is still a major part of the story.

Barcelona’s late move

City are said to want €75 million for Rodri. That figure sits alongside other reporting that Barcelona were offered him for €60 million weeks ago, while one view from the Madrid side is that the asking price has made talks difficult.

Rodri has also put his own position in plain terms. Speaking to teamtalk.com, he said: "I have one year left on my contract, there will be a point where we will have to sit down and talk". He also added: "You can't turn down the best clubs in the world".

Barcelona’s case is not built on transfer noise alone. They finished first in La Liga in 2025, Real Madrid finished second, and that gives them a credible pitch to a player deciding between two clubs that still see themselves as title-level projects. Deco is part of the discussion around Barcelona’s side of the move, but the decision still turns on price, timing and Rodri’s own view.

Rodri’s City record shows why both Spanish giants want him. He has made 298 appearances for the club since 2019, with 28 goals and 32 assists. He is not being treated like a speculative buy, and that is exactly why the valuation has become such a sticking point.

The next step is whether the clubs can get closer on the fee. Until then, Barcelona have changed the shape of the race, and Real Madrid no longer look like the only serious destination.

Written by Daniel Hartley with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 8 outlets. How we work →