Barcelona should stay away from a summer move for Real Madrid midfield target – Opinion | OneFootball

Manchester City star Rodri is almost the perfect answer to a question FC Barcelona have been asking for years.

He can control possession, protect the defence and give structure to a midfield without restricting the creative players around him.

Put him behind Pedri and Dani Olmo, and Hansi Flick would have a trio capable of competing with any midfield in Europe.

Manchester City remain hopeful of renewing Rodri’s contract, which expires in June 2027, while Real Madrid are going all-out to try to sign him.

Barcelona have also entered the conversation following the injury suffered by Frenkie de Jong, having reached out to the player’s camp to learn of his situation, without making a formal approach to the Cityzens.

Why Rodri is so tempting

The sporting argument is obvious. Rodri understands positional football, receives the ball calmly under pressure and rarely leaves his centre-backs exposed.

Rodri can be the perfect addition for Barcelona. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Flick’s Barcelona can become vulnerable when their press is beaten, particularly when several players attack the same space.

Rodri would provide the discipline and anticipation needed to manage those moments.

He would also improve Barça’s Champions League prospects immediately. This is a midfielder who has won the competition with Manchester City, lifted major international trophies with Spain and won the Ballon d’Or.

He would hardly require a period of adaptation in a team he has already played in and in a system that accentuates his strengths.

Why Barcelona should say no

The problem is not the player. It is the timing of the deal. Rodri is 30, has experienced two injury-disrupted seasons and has undergone surgery on a back issue after the World Cup.

Spending a major transfer fee and committing to an elite salary would be a considerable risk, regardless of his performances at the World Cup.

Barcelona must also consider what such a move would mean for their current midfield. Flick already has Pedri, Gavi, De Jong, Olmo, Fermin Lopez, Marc Casado and Marc Bernal in the first-team squad.

Rodri would immediately sit above Casado and Bernal in the hierarchy. That may improve the team in the present, but it could reduce valuable minutes for the latter in the long run.

Bernal, in particular, has the physical profile and positional understanding to become an important holding midfielder if Barcelona manage his progression patiently.

Marc Bernal is primed for a major breakthrough. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Casado is expected to leave Barcelona this summer anyway, but the club also have players like Tommy Marques and Brian Farinas waiting for an opportunity.

Barça cannot afford to evaluate transfers by reputation alone. Deco must consider age, resale value, salary, availability and how each signing affects the pathway from La Masia.

The midfield is not an obvious need in the squad, and signing Rodri could cause more problems in the long run even if it solves some in the short term.

The verdict

So, Rodri to Barça? No, at least not under normal market conditions. The answer could change if City accepted a heavily reduced fee, but that is unlikely to happen.

More importantly, the 30-year-old seems to have his heart set on returning to Madrid and playing for Los Blancos.

Rodri would make Flick’s team stronger tomorrow, but Barça must build for several seasons rather than one campaign.

The best solution for the German manager is to trust Bernal, look to promote from within and use La Masia’s riches.

Barça are right to monitor the contractual situation surrounding Rodri, but this is a transfer they should stay away from this summer.