Both Spanish giants have launched immediate approaches to sign the 30-year-old midfielder Rodri
Real Madrid had long been working in the background to bring the 30-year-old Ballon d’Or winner back to La Liga, but Barcelona’s sudden entry into the race has set off an all-out El Clásico bidding battle.
Following a major knee injury to Frenkie de Jong, Joan Laporta and Barça chiefs have made an immediate approach to Rodri’s camp to offer him a starting role alongside international teammates Lamine Yamal, Pedri, and Gavi.
Real Madrid remains a primary destination for the midfielder as part of José Mourinho’s midfield rebuild, but delay in closing the agreement has opened the door for Barça.
With Rodri entering the final year of his contract at Manchester City, both Spanish giants are preparing bids in the €50 million to €75 million range.
The decision now rests entirely on Rodri—whether to complete his long-rumored move to Real Madrid or choose Barcelona’s midfield project to complete one of the biggest transfer hijacks in Spanish football history.
