Rodri Joins Barcelona After Real Madrid Pursuit Collapses Due to Hesitation

Rodri has completed a move to Barcelona from Manchester City for a fee of €75 million (£65.4m), with the deal including performance-related add-ons that could rise further according to The Guardian and Tempo. The 30-year-old midfielder signed a contract running until June 30, 2030, and was presented on the same day as reported by Tempo. Rodri stated that the Catalan club was always my first choice noted by The Guardian after turning down other offers following the World Cup.

Rodri Joins Barcelona Following Real Madrid Pursuit Collapse

Real Madrid Abandoned Deal After Midfielder Hesitated

Real Madrid manager José Mourinho revealed that the club held direct contact with Rodri and made him a significant and attractive offer without needing to formally negotiate with Manchester City according to Tempo. Mourinho confirmed that he spoke with the player on multiple occasions stated by The Guardian, but explained that the pursuit fell through because the Spanish international displayed uncertainty about the move reported by Tempo.

Rodri had doubts, he hesitated, and Rodri’s doubts raised doubts in me, Mourinho told El Chiringuito Hindustantimes. The manager stressed that the Santiago Bernabéu club requires total and immediate commitment from prospective signings. Real Madrid are so big that you can’t have players who have to think twice. You get in touch with a player and the player says: ‘When do I go?’ That’s how it works, Mourinho added per The Guardian.

Background on Rodri’s Career and World Cup Success

Rodri emerged as a primary target for Spain’s biggest clubs following his performances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he captained Spain to victory according to The Guardian and was named Player of the Tournament noted by Heavy, winning the Golden Ball Hindustantimes. Prior to his departure, Rodri spent seven seasons at Manchester City following his 2019 transfer from Atlético Madrid stated by Tempo, making 298 appearances and scoring 28 goals while collecting 14 trophies Hindustantimes. He also won the Ballon d’Or in 2024 noted by Tempo and played a key role in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph reported by Tempo.

Rodri Joins Barcelona After Real Madrid Pursuit Collapses Due to Hesitation — Photo: Tempo

After ruling out Paris Saint-Germain because he wanted to return to Spain according to The Guardian, Rodri chose Barcelona, where he joins eight of his international teammates from the World Cup squad noted by The Guardian.

Mourinho Declares Real Madrid Squad Complete

Despite failing to secure Rodri to fill a midfield vacancy, Mourinho insisted he does not miss the player and considers his squad complete according to The Guardian. Real Madrid brought in six players during the summer transfer window—including Marc Cucurella, Yan Diomande, Bernardo Silva, Ibrahima Konate, Denzel Dumfries, and Carlos Espi—ahead of their LaLiga season opener against Espanyol reported by Tempo and Heavy.

I am not saying that there will not be any more signings because the market is still open, but if you ask me directly whether the squad is complete, for me yes it is, Mourinho stated as quoted by The Guardian.

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