Manchester City midfielder could be on the move this summer, and Catalonia and Madrid are knocking
Barcelona have entered the race to sign Rodri despite the Manchester City midfielder having already agreed personal terms with Real Madrid.
The Catalan club are willing to challenge their rivals for one of the most sought-after midfielders in Europe. Rodri is entering the final year of his contract at Manchester City and it has kicked up a flurry of interest, especially after his performances for Spain at the World Cup.
With only one year left on his current deal, City are under pressure to decide whether to sell this summer or risk losing him for free when his deal expires next year.
Real Madrid are the team understood to be leading the race to sign Rodri. They need a midfielder in the mould of Toni Kroos or even Luka Modric, and Rodri has previously expressed his desire to move back to the Spanish capital, from where he joined City in 2019.
Madrid have reached an agreement with the Spain international over contract terms, according to multiple sources, but Barcelona believe there is still an opportunity to hijack the move.
The club’s interest comes after reports emerged that Frenkie de Jong will miss a sizeable chunk of the start of next season, after suffering yet another injury, this time with the Netherlands during the World Cup.
Barcelona have also long searched for a successor to Sergio Busquets and Rodri, widely regarded as one of the best holding midfielders in the world, and a generational talent not seen since the like of Xavi and Busquets, is believed to be the perfect replacement, even if he is currently 30 years of age.
If fit, he can still guarantee three to four years at the elite level, and Barcelona would be rewarded instead of letting him join fierce rivals Madrid.
Paris Saint-Germain are another team reported to have made enquiries about the midfielder, which only adds further competition if City decide to sell.
