Real Madrid told Rodri will join Barcelona in hours | OneFootball

Rodrigo Hernández has informed Real Madrid he will not sign for them and will join Barcelona in the coming hours, according to El Periódico Mediterráneo. The Manchester City midfielder’s deal runs to next summer and he had signalled a desire to return to Spain after Pep Guardiola’s departure.

Madrid had reached agreement with the player after months of talks with Florentino Pérez and senior figures, but then prioritised Yan Diomande and Vinícius’s renewal.

The delay opened the door for Barcelona. Manchester City asked for 80 million euros, Madrid offered 40, and talks were expected to meet at 60, with 45 fixed and 15 in variables.

Rodri has now given City the green light to negotiate with Barcelona. Spain team-mates at the club have sounded him out in recent days.

José Mourinho phoned Rodri and promised him a leading role at Madrid, and the player had been receptive. But feedback from former Madrid players advised against a team coached by Mourinho and presided over by Florentino Pérez.

Some Madrid fans resent him for beating Vinícius to the Ballon d’Or, and their relationship is not smooth. Dressing room egos around Vinícius and Mbappé appear to have nudged him towards Barcelona.

He told Madrid his reasons include Barça’s style, Guardiola’s legacy in recent seasons, and his bonds with Spain colleagues, among whom there were no Madrid players.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo

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