By Francis Onyach - Reporter
Spain, August 6, 2026 - Barcelona have joined the race to sign Manchester City midfielder Rodri after making initial contact with both the player's representatives and the Premier League champions to explore the possibility of a transfer.
The Catalan club's interest comes as Real Madrid continue discussions over the Spain international, although Manchester City have so far resisted advancing negotiations. City are understood to believe that additional clubs could enter the race for one of the world's best midfielders, a prediction that has now materialized with Barcelona's approach.
At this stage, no agreement has been reached with either club, and the future of Rodri remains largely dependent on the player's own decision and Manchester City's willingness to negotiate.
Barcelona's interest has intensified in recent days following internal discussions over strengthening the midfield.
Reports indicate that club officials have spoken with Rodri's representatives to gauge the player's openness to a move to Camp Nou. Barcelona have also contacted Manchester City to better understand the club's position and the financial conditions that would be required for any potential deal.
While Barcelona's priority this summer has largely been reinforcing other areas of the squad, the opportunity to sign a player of Rodri's calibre has prompted the club to monitor the situation closely.
Real Madrid Have Been Working on the Deal#
Barcelona are not the first Spanish club to pursue the Manchester City midfielder.
Real Madrid have reportedly been in discussions with City for several weeks as they explore a deal for the reigning Ballon d'Or winner. However, Manchester City have refused to rush negotiations, preferring to assess the market before making any decision on one of their most valuable players.
City's stance reflects Rodri's importance to the squad, both as a leader and as the player widely regarded as the heartbeat of their midfield.
Despite growing interest, Manchester City are not actively looking to sell Rodri.
The club remain hopeful of convincing the Spanish international to commit his long-term future to the Etihad Stadium, even as speculation surrounding his future continues. Rodri's current contract is entering its final stages, increasing pressure on City to either agree a new deal or consider offers before risking losing him for a reduced fee later.
Club officials are also mindful that Rodri's performances for Spain, including his outstanding displays at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, have significantly increased his market value and attracted interest from Europe's biggest clubs.
Why Rodri Is So Highly Sought After#
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Rodri has established himself as one of the finest defensive midfielders in world football.
Since joining Manchester City from Atlético Madrid in 2019, he has become indispensable under Pep Guardiola, helping the club win multiple Premier League titles, the UEFA Champions League and numerous domestic trophies.
His ability to dictate possession, break up opposition attacks and control the tempo of matches has made him one of the most complete midfielders of his generation.
Barcelona's interest is also influenced by uncertainty in midfield.
The club are assessing long-term options after injury concerns and the need to strengthen the centre of the pitch. Rodri's experience, tactical intelligence and leadership make him an attractive target, although the financial demands of any transfer could prove challenging.
The Catalan club are therefore keeping a close watch on negotiations between Manchester City and Real Madrid while maintaining communication with Rodri's camp.
Although both Barcelona and Real Madrid are interested, the transfer ultimately depends on Rodri himself.
Manchester City are unlikely to sanction a move unless the player indicates that he wants to leave, while any interested club must also satisfy City's financial valuation.
For now, there is no indication that a final decision has been made, with all parties continuing to assess their options.
The coming weeks are expected to be decisive.
Real Madrid remain actively engaged in discussions, Barcelona have now entered the picture, and Manchester City continue to evaluate their position while hoping to retain one of their most influential players.
If Barcelona's interest develops into a formal proposal, Rodri could become the subject of one of the biggest transfer battles of the summer. However, with City reluctant to lose their midfield leader and two of Spain's biggest clubs monitoring the situation, the next move is likely to depend on whether Rodri decides that his future still lies in Manchester or back in La Liga.