Barcelona wants Rodri.

In one of the most dramatic transfer developments of the summer, Manchester City’s Rodri has reportedly given the green light to join Barcelona — and in the process, snubbed Real Madrid.
Multiple Spanish outlets and reliable sources, including reports from The Athletic, Marca, AS, and Jijantes, indicate that the Spain captain and 2026 World Cup Golden Ball winner has authorised Barcelona to open formal talks with City. The move comes after weeks of stalled negotiations with Real Madrid and a personal phone call from Hansi Flick that appears to have sealed the deal in the player’s mind.

Rodri, 30, is entering the final year of his contract at Manchester City. After captaining Spain to World Cup glory in July and being named the tournament’s best player, interest from both Spanish giants intensified. Real Madrid had been the early frontrunners, with talks ongoing for weeks. However, disagreements over the transfer fee — City reportedly valuing him in the €65–75 million range while Madrid were closer to €50–60 million — caused the deal to stall.
Barcelona, meanwhile, needed midfield reinforcement after Frenkie de Jong’s serious knee injury. Flick personally contacted Rodri to outline his vision: a clear starting role as the defensive midfield pivot, the chance to play in a possession-dominant system similar to the one he thrived in under Pep Guardiola, and the opportunity to reunite with several Spain teammates already at the club (Pedri, Gavi, Dani Olmo, Ferran Torres, Lamine Yamal, and others).
The player was convinced. Reports say he has now informed Real Madrid of his decision and given Barcelona the green light to negotiate with City.