Manchester City delay talks for midfield ace’s sale to Real Madrid as Barcelona enter the picture | OneFootball

Real Madrid have already had a blockbuster summer transfer window so far and are still focused on signing 2026 World Cup winner Rodri from Manchester City.

Florentino Perez has gone all out in the transfer market to bolster the squad and give Jose Mourinho the best possible chance of bringing trophies back to the Santiago Bernabeu.

The Portuguese tactician is said to be personally pushing for the signing of the 30-year-old from Manchester City this summer.

Now, according to Fabrizio Romano, Manchester City’s negotiations with Real Madrid over Rodri have entered an unexpected phase, with the Premier League champions slowing discussions to assess interest from other clubs.

Manchester City pause negotiations

Barcelona have now emerged as another club interested in signing the Spanish midfielder, prompting City to take a step back before advancing talks with Real Madrid.

Barcelona enter the race for Rodri. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Real Madrid have been working to reach an agreement for Rodri, who has entered the final year of his contract at the Etihad Stadium.

From City’s perspective, the move makes sense.

Allowing more clubs into the race could strengthen their negotiating position and potentially create a bidding war for one of the world’s best midfielders.

With Rodri’s contract winding down, City are naturally keen to maximise any transfer fee should a sale become inevitable.

Barcelona register interest

Barcelona’s interest has been well documented in recent days, particularly following Frenkie de Jong’s long-term injury.

The Catalan giants view Rodri as an ideal addition if the finances align, although completing such a deal remains far from straightforward given their financial constraints.

Man City hoping for a bidding war. (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images)

For the Premier League club, Barcelona’s emergence offers another potential buyer at a time when Real Madrid had appeared to be leading the race.

Rodri still holds the key

Despite City’s efforts to explore every possible option, Romano adds that the final decision ultimately rests with the player.

This is where Los Blancos have an advantage. Rodri’s preference remains to move to the Santiago Bernabeu.

Barça’s interest alone is unlikely to change the direction of the transfer unless the midfielder changes his stance.

Manchester City may attempt to improve their negotiating leverage by inviting interest from multiple clubs, but if Rodri is determined to join Real Madrid, there is only so much they can do.

That said, another offer could help the English club leverage Los Blancos into giving them more money, but Real Madrid should remain calm.

The eventual outcome depends on Rodri himself, and that is what matters.