Rodri’s Barcelona move draws strong reaction from former Real Madrid chief | OneFootball

FC Barcelona are very close to completing the blockbuster signings of the Manchester City midfielder Rodri Hernandez. The Spaniard is already in the Catalan capital, and will undergo medical and physical tests today before finalizing his move to the Blaugrana club.

With this signing, Hansi Flick will get a proven, world class player to further complement his already stacked midfield. While there is no doubt that his arrival will improve the team’s performances on the pitch, there is another aspect of this operation which will make Barcelona fans very happy with this signing.

The midfielder was reported to be close to signing for Real Madrid a few days after the end of the World Cup, but ultimately rejected the Merengue club’s offer to sign for the Blaugranes. This has been a rather surprising turn of affairs for Los Blancos, who have had a very eventful summer transfer window so far.

As a result, Rodri’s signing by Barcelona is generating quite a commotion in Real Madrid’s fanbase. As Mundo Deportivo has reported, one of the most notable commentators in world football, Jorge Valdano, the former general manager of the Merengue club, highlighted how this transfer will affect the two Spanish giants:

“For me, Rodri is worth €35 million for what he will contribute to Barcelona and €40 million for what he takes away from Real Madrid… Rodri will not have a major influence on Barcelona’s style of play, although he will add his own touch to everything Hansi Flick proposes.”

“At Real Madrid, he would have revolutionized the team’s play and improved everything around him… The ball would have reached the forwards earlier and better.”

The Argentine also highlighted what makes Rodri such a good player:

“He possesses that kind of influence that players have who, rather than having an impact on goals, have an impact on the game… For that, he is the best player in the world.”

There is no doubt that Rodri Hernandez’s signing has been a real coup for Barcelona in this market. Not only will they get a Ballon d’Or winner, and a contender for the Ballon d’Or again this year, but will also ensure their main rivals in Spain do not get to address a clear area of weakness in their team.

For now, the Blaugranes will have to ensure everything goes smoothly as and will undergo his medical and physical tests shortly.