Report: Rodri’s three concerns about Real Madrid that led him to choose Barcelona | OneFootball

More details are gradually emerging about Rodri’s rejection of Real Madrid, which brought his negotiations with the club to a complete halt and ultimately led him toward a move to FC Barcelona.

The midfielder seemed to be on his way to the Santiago Bernabeu for most of the summer, with an agreement over personal terms also in place.

But there were reservations dating back to the beginning of the process that complicated the operation and eventually caused it to collapse.

Indeed, according to Ramon Alvarez (h/t SPORT), Rodri had several complaints about Real Madrid and ultimately chose Barça because he felt more comfortable there, both professionally and personally.

The backstory to Rodri’s rejection of Madrid began immediately after the World Cup.

“There was contact with the player after the World Cup, and there was a meeting with Jose Angel Sanchez representing Madrid, which the player attended personally,” the journalist explained.

“At that meeting, Rodri was open to signing for Madrid, but he raised three complaints that may ultimately have been decisive.”

Rodri seemed to be joining Real Madrid. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Rodri’s complaints

“His first two complaints were that they had taken so long to go after him, and that there had been so many leaks suggesting Florentino Perez didn’t want him,” explained Alvarez.

Real Madrid ultimately decided to pursue the midfielder after confirming that his knee was in good condition, following an outstanding World Cup in which he was named the tournament’s best player.

Finally, Alvarez explained that Rodri also had concerns about the Real Madrid dressing room, saying:

“There was a third issue, which was that Rodri said he had been told there were problems in the Madrid dressing room.”

Real Madrid, though, apparently gave him the necessary explanations regarding the situation.

Barcelona step in

Rodri put his demands on the table and Real Madrid accepted them, meaning the transfer was practically done. He remained open to joining the Merengues until Barça stepped up their pursuit and ultimately made him reconsider.

Headed to Barcelona. (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images)

Los Blancos had even begun negotiating the transfer with Manchester City, but the club prioritized other operations at the decisive moment, including the signing of Yan Diomande and Vinicius Jr.’s renewal.

During that window, Barça entered the race and Rodri took time to reflect before concluding that he would be better off at the Catalan club.

He already knows many of the Spanish internationals in the Barça squad, likes the project and feels that the team’s style of play suits him perfectly.

An agreement has been reached on his personal terms, with only an agreement between the clubs still needed to complete the transfer.