Barcelona move for Rodri amid Real Madrid delay and fee gap | OneFootball

Barcelona have emerged as serious contenders to sign Rodrigo Hernández, the Spain international crowned Ballon d'Or at the last World Cup. The club have sounded out his camp, targeting a move this summer despite a prior understanding with Real Madrid.

According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, Madrid believed they had tied up the Manchester City midfielder, who is out of contract next summer and plans to return to Spain after Pep Guardiola's exit. A pre-agreement followed months of talks with Florentino Pérez, before City talks were paused to prioritise Yan Diomande and Vinícius's renewal.

As the Ivorian travelled to Madrid and the Brazilian won concessions in his deal, Barça entered the picture. City asked 80 million euros for Rodri and Madrid offered 40, with a compromise of 60, structured as 45 plus 15 in add-ons, until Barcelona intervened.

In recent days several Barcelona internationals have tried to convince Rodri to join. Mourinho had already phoned him and knew of his leaning towards Madrid, promising him authority in midfield.

Former Madrid players have discouraged him from joining Mourinho's Madrid. Rodri knows some fans resent him beating Vinícius to the Ballon d'Or, and the pair are not especially close.

The balance now appears to sit with the player. He is weighing the football and personal context offered by both clubs. Madrid trust their pre-agreement will sway him, while Barcelona are excited by a signing that could hurt their rivals and lift Hansi Flick's squad.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo

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