Barcelona’s position has strengthened significantly, with the source confirming the club has now secured the player’s agreement to open negotiations, though there remains no guarantee this leads to an actual transfer.
Real Madrid had reportedly been talking to his representatives since last month without progress under new manager José Mourinho.
Catalan media reported that a phone call from Barcelona boss Hansi Flick helped convince the 30-year-old, with Flick said to have pushed the club’s hierarchy to bring in an experienced defensive midfielder.
Barcelona have identified defensive solidity as a weakness, a problem sharpened by a serious knee injury that is expected to keep regular captain Frenkie de Jong sidelined for months.
Rodri arrives with his stock at an all-time high, having won the Golden Ball as player of the tournament while captaining Spain to World Cup glory this summer.
He has been one of Manchester City’s most important players since joining from Atlético Madrid, winning four Premier League titles and the 2023 Champions League, where he scored the winning goal in the final against Inter Milan.
With a year left on his contract, City are said to be willing to sell for around €60 million, though question marks remain over his fitness after a minor back operation in late July.
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