Barcelona weigh Rodri move as Real Madrid talks stall

Barcelona are considering whether to enter the race for Rodri after Real Madrid failed to reach an agreement with the Manchester City midfielder. With Rodri into the final year of his contract and Manchester City understood to be open to a deal worth about £60m, the Spain captain’s future has become one of the most significant stories of the summer.

Barcelona alert to Rodri opening

Real Madrid have held talks with Rodri and his representatives for weeks, but no agreement has been reached. That has created an opening Barcelona are now watching closely as they assess whether to challenge their rivals for the 30-year-old.

Barcelona’s interest has been sharpened by the injury to Frenkie de Jong, whose knee problem is expected to keep him out for several months. Rodri’s profile and experience make him an obvious option to consider, particularly given his standing with Spain and his reputation at the highest level.

City have not abandoned hope of extending his stay, even though he is now in the final year of his current deal. But the Premier League club are thought to be prepared to let him leave for around £60m if no renewal is agreed.

Real Madrid face a complicated picture

Madrid’s inability so far to close a deal for Rodri comes at a time when they are also juggling other major pieces of business. The club have agreed a club-record £115m fee for RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande and are in talks with Vinícius Júnior over a new contract amid interest from Arsenal.

That wider financial picture could become important if Madrid want to push on with a move for Rodri. According to the source material, player sales may be required before they can add him as well. Aurélien Tchouaméni and Eduardo Camavinga have both been mentioned as possible departures, with Manchester United linked to the France midfielders.

City planning amid uncertainty

Rodri is also dealing with a fitness issue before the new campaign. He has undergone minor back surgery and is expected to miss most of Manchester City’s pre-season programme, adding another layer of uncertainty to the situation.

City have already moved in the market, signing Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for £116m. They also remain in negotiations with Lille over 18-year-old Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, a sign that midfield planning is active regardless of whether Rodri stays or goes.

Barcelona’s wider transfer priorities

Rodri is not the only major file on Barcelona’s desk. The club have spent much of the summer targeting Julián Alvarez following Robert Lewandowski’s departure, but Atlético Madrid continue to insist the Argentina striker is not for sale at any price.

Barcelona sporting director Deco was in Madrid on Wednesday to meet Alvarez’s representatives, underlining the club’s determination to explore every possible route. Attention will now turn to whether the 26-year-old returns to pre-season training on Monday or tries to force a move. Arsenal are also interested in him.

There is also a contract issue to resolve with Ferran Torres, who has entered the final year of his Barcelona deal. The Spain forward has said he is waiting for the club to open talks over an extension, another reminder that Barcelona’s summer is being shaped by both recruitment and retention.

• Barcelona are considering a move for Rodri.
• Real Madrid have not reached an agreement with the midfielder.
• Manchester City could allow Rodri to leave for about £60m.
• Frenkie de Jong is expected to be out for several months with a knee injury.