Rodri’s potential arrival forces Barcelona to change plans for highly rated academy midfielder – report | OneFootball

Barcelona going all out to try to sign Rodri from Manchester City this summer was always going to have direct consequences for some other players.

La Masia has a pipeline of talented midfielders hoping for a first-team chance, but the Spanish maestro’s arrival would further complicate their opportunities.

According to SPORT, Tommy Marques looks set to become one of the biggest indirect casualties of Barcelona’s move for Rodri.

Marques had been expected to earn a first-team squad number this season after impressing Hansi Flick during training last season.

However, Rodri’s arrival has dramatically altered the club’s plans.

Rodri’s arrival is imminent. (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images)

Rodri changes the midfield picture

Before Barcelona accelerated their pursuit of Rodri, Marques was firmly in contention to make the step up from Barça Atletic.

The midfielder had done enough to convince Flick that he could contribute to the senior squad, with the German coach reportedly seeing similarities between Marques and Frenkie de Jong because of his ability to carry the ball, break lines and dictate possession.

That pathway has now become significantly more complicated.

Barcelona are now exploring a sale

Rather than promoting Marques permanently, Barcelona are now negotiating a transfer that would include a buy-back clause.

The structure reflects the club’s growing strategy with young talent.

Instead of allowing promising academy players to remain on the fringes of the first team, Barcelona are increasingly opting to sell them while retaining future control through buy-back agreements.

The approach gives players regular senior football while protecting the club’s long-term interests.

Set to be sold. (Photo courtesy: Instagram/tommy.marques)

Development remains priority

Although Marques may leave this summer, it should not be interpreted as a lack of confidence in his potential.

In fact, it is quite the opposite. Barça still value Tommy very highly, but Rodri’s arrival means his development will not be best served by staying at the club.

The Blaugrana already have a crowded midfield featuring Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, Marc Bernal, Dani Olmo and Fermin Lopez.

A move elsewhere could offer Marques the consistent minutes he needs at this stage of his development.

Sometimes, players find themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time, and that is Tommy’s situation right now.

What he needs to do now is go elsewhere and live up to his potential, emerging as Barcelona’s preferred option for life after Rodri in a few years’ time.