Rodri: Barcelona join Real Madrid race for signing

Rodri: Barcelona join race for Manchester City midfielder wanted by Real Madrid

Summary: Barcelona have entered the race to sign Manchester City midfielder Rodri, joining Real Madrid in pursuit of the Spain captain. The 2026 World Cup winner has one year left on his City contract. Real have offered £50m, but City want Rodri to sign a new deal and stay at the Etihad.

Barcelona are preparing an approach for Manchester City midfielder Rodri, setting up a fight with Real Madrid for the Spain captain's signature.

The 2026 World Cup winner has entered the final year of his City contract. Both Spanish clubs want him this summer.

Main details

Real Madrid have been in talks with City since last week. They have offered £50m for the 29-year-old, according to Sky Sports News.

Barcelona's interest has grown sharply in the past 24 hours. They believe they have a genuine chance of winning the race if Rodri decides to leave this window.

City, though, do not want to sell. They hope Rodri will sign a new long-term contract and continue at the Etihad under new head coach Enzo Maresca.

Rodri is currently sidelined after back surgery following the World Cup. He is expected to miss the Community Shield against Arsenal and City's opening Premier League fixture of the new season.

Background

Rodri joined City for £60m and has been central to the club's success ever since. He was named the World Cup's best player this summer as Spain lifted the trophy.

Real Madrid have long admired him as a long-term successor in central midfield following the departures of senior players in recent years. President Florentino Perez faced criticism after too few Spain players featured for Real Madrid at this summer's World Cup, and signing Rodri would help address that.

Real have already strengthened their squad with the signing of Marc Cucurella from Chelsea during the tournament. Bernardo Silva has also left City for the Bernabeu.

City have brought in Elliot Anderson, an England international, as a potential long-term option in midfield. He is seen by some as a possible replacement for the departed Bernardo Silva alongside Rodri.

What happens next

Real Madrid are weighing up whether to increase their offer above £50m. City's stance for now remains that they would rather keep Rodri for the final year of his deal than sell below his value.

Talks are expected to continue over the coming days as the transfer window moves towards its closing stages. Rodri's recovery from back surgery will also shape the timeline, with City not expecting him back for the opening weeks of the season regardless of his future.

Quotes

Pep Guardiola has made his admiration for Rodri clear, describing him as "the best midfielder in the world by far."

Closing

Rodri's situation is likely to dominate the final weeks of the transfer window. Manchester City want to keep their key midfielder and extend his contract, while Real Madrid and Barcelona both believe they can convince him to leave. Nothing is resolved yet, and the next move now rests with the player himself.