Barcelona enter Rodri race as Man City star attracts interest from Spain’s biggest clubs | OneFootball

Barcelona have emerged as the latest club exploring a move for Manchester City midfielder Rodri, adding another heavyweight contender to the race for one of world football’s most decorated midfielders.

Reports from The Athletic indicate that the Catalan giants have opened discussions with Rodri’s representatives as they assess whether a deal could be possible before the transfer window closes.

The Spain international has entered the final year of his Manchester City contract, and his future has become one of the biggest talking points of the summer.

Real Madrid have already been heavily linked with the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, with multiple reports in Spain suggesting the European giants remain keen to bring him back to La Liga.

Barcelona are now positioning themselves as genuine competitors.

The Blaugrana’s interest has been strengthened by the long-term injury suffered by Frenkie de Jong, whose knee problem has left Hansi Flick searching for another elite midfielder capable of controlling games.

Rodri is viewed as an ideal stylistic fit.

Having spent seven seasons under Pep Guardiola, the 30-year-old has become one of Europe’s finest deep-lying playmakers, combining defensive intelligence with exceptional passing range and composure in possession.

His familiarity with Barcelona’s possession-based approach is understood to be one of the attractions behind the club’s interest.

The prospect of reuniting with several of his Spain team-mates is also believed to be another positive factor.

Barcelona’s current squad already includes fellow World Cup winners Joan Garcia, Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, Gavi, Dani Olmo, Pedri, Ferran Torres and Lamine Yamal.

Despite that interest, completing a deal will not be straightforward.

Barcelona continue to operate under financial restrictions and are expected to require significant player sales before pursuing a transfer of this magnitude.

Manchester City are also under no pressure to negotiate cheaply despite Rodri entering the final year of his contract.

The midfielder remains one of the club’s most influential players after helping Spain win the 2026 World Cup, where he captained his country throughout the tournament and collected the Golden Ball as its outstanding player.

He had previously lifted the Ballon d’Or following Spain’s European Championship triumph and another successful spell with City.

Rodri has won four Premier League titles, the Champions League, two FA Cups and three League Cups since joining City from Atletico Madrid in 2019.

While Barcelona’s interest is gathering momentum, Real Madrid have not cooled their pursuit, meaning one of Spain’s fiercest rivalries could now extend into the transfer market as both clubs attempt to lure Rodri back to his homeland.

Whether Manchester City are willing to sanction the departure of one of their most important players remains the biggest question as the saga continues to develop.