Barcelona weigh up move for Rodri after World Cup win

Barcelona are considering a move for Rodri after the midfielder’s outstanding World Cup with Spain, according to reporting cited from The Athletic. The Manchester City player has also been linked with Real Madrid, setting up the prospect of a major battle between Spain’s two biggest clubs.

Barcelona enter the conversation

Rodri’s stock has risen even further after he was named the best player at the 2026 World Cup, a tournament won by Spain. Already one of the most decorated midfielders of his generation at both international and club level, he is now being strongly linked with a return to his home country.

The latest development is that Barcelona have explored the conditions of a possible transfer. The report says the Catalan club has held talks with people close to the player to understand what a deal might look like.

That interest is said to be driven in part by Rodri’s suitability for Barcelona’s style of play. It is also a dressing room in which he would find plenty of familiar faces after Spain’s World Cup success.

Why the move could appeal

Barcelona already have a significant Spanish core, including eight members of this year’s world champion squad:

• Joan Garcia
• Pau Cubarsi
• Eric Garcia
• Pedri
• Gavi
• Dani Olmo
• Lamine Yamal
• Ferran Torres

That existing group could make any transition smoother for Rodri if Barcelona were able to take the deal further. There is also a clear football reason for the club’s interest. Frenkie de Jong has suffered a torn lateral collateral ligament in his right knee and is expected to be out for many weeks, increasing the need for a defensive midfielder.

Even so, Barcelona’s financial reality remains a major factor. The report makes clear that before moving decisively, the club would need to sell players and free up space in the squad.

Real Madrid remain in the frame

Barcelona are not alone in tracking the situation. Real Madrid continue to be heavily associated with Rodri and are reportedly well placed when it comes to agreeing personal terms with the player.

The more complicated part of any transfer may be negotiations with Manchester City. Rodri is still viewed as an important figure in the plans of new head coach Enzo Maresca, which would naturally strengthen City’s position in talks over any fee.

There is, however, an important contractual detail in the background. Rodri’s current deal runs until the end of June next year, meaning he would be free to speak to other clubs from January 2027 if no extension is agreed before then.

Rodri’s standing at City

Since joining Manchester City in 2019, Rodri has become one of the defining midfielders of the club’s modern era. He has made 298 appearances, scoring 28 goals and providing 32 assists.

Before moving to England, he played for Villarreal and Atletico Madrid, the club where he came through the academy. Now, after a World Cup that has only enhanced his reputation, his future is once again a major talking point — with both Barcelona and Real Madrid watching closely.