Real Madrid starting to consider Rodri as ‘lost’ as Barcelona take lead in race | OneFootball

According to journalist Rodra, Real Madrid are starting to believe that Manchester City midfielder Rodri might not join the club this summer, with Barcelona now taking the lead in the race for the Spaniard.

A deal appeared to be on the track for a while now, with personal terms also agreed and talks taking place with Manchester City.

But, Barcelona’s entry into the picture, coupled with Real Madrid’s failure to offload one of their current players have turned the tables.

The collapsed strategy

The Spanish giants have seen their primary plan to push for the deal collapse after French midfielder Eduardo Camavinga firmly refused to leave the Santiago Bernabeu.

Refusing to leave. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Real Madrid’s executive board, led by Florentino Perez, had constructed a clear financial roadmap to secure the 30-year-old Spain international.

The club’s explicit plan relied on selling Camavinga during the current window to free up the space in the squad required to accommodate Rodri in the squad.

However, Camavinga has completely rejected any possibility of a summer departure. The 23-year-old midfielder made his stance clear to club directors, stating his desire to stay under head coach Jose Mourinho.

This refusal has left Real Madrid’s management unable to proceed in their efforts to sign Rodri, leading to the negotiations between the two clubs to stall.

Barcelona move ahead in the race

Real Madrid’s internal complications have opened the door for fierce rivals Barcelona. Barcelona have made rapid progress over the last few hours, opening active negotiations with both Manchester City and Rodri’s representatives.

Slipping away (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

The Catalan club is prepared to match the transfer fees discussed by Madrid, turning the race into a direct boardroom battle.

While Rodri had reached an agreement on personal contract terms with Real Madrid days ago, the standstill in Madrid has forced him to look at other options.

Furthermore, several of his Spanish national team teammates at Barcelona have been contacting him daily, trying to get him to change his mind and anchor Hansi Flick’s midfield instead.

With Real Madrid unable to finalize their move due to Camavinga’s stance, the club’s confidence has taken a significant hit, leaving the final decision entirely up to the player.