Barcelona to battle Real Madrid for Rodri

Barcelona to compete with Real Madrid for Rodri

Spanish football club Barcelona is considering a move for Manchester City midfielder Rodri, who has won the Ballon d'Or, according to The Athletic.

According to the source, Rodri likes Barcelona's style of play and ability to adapt quickly to the team. This is because eight of his Spanish national team teammates - Joan Garcia, Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarci, Pedri, Gavi, Dani Olmo, Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres - play for the Catalans.

It is reported that Barcelona have already held talks with Rodri's representatives regarding the terms of a possible transfer. Real Madrid are also interested in the midfielder.

Rodri's current contract with Manchester City runs until the end of the 2026/27 season. According to the source, the English club is not very interested in extending the midfielder's contract.

30-year-old Rodri has been playing for Manchester City since 2019. He previously played for Spanish clubs Atletico and Villarreal.

He was a four-time English champion, three-time English League Cup winner, two-time FA Cup winner and UEFA Super Cup winner with Manchester City. He also won the UEFA Champions League, the English Super Cup and the Club World Cup once.

Rodri won the 2026 World Cup, the 2024 European Championship and the 2023 UEFA Nations League with the Spanish national team. He won the 2024 Ballon d'Or award, which is given to the best player in the world. He was also named the best player of the 2026 World Cup and won the tournament's Golden Ball award.