Barcelona considering attempt to hijack Manchester City superstar’s move to Real Madrid

Barcelona considering attempt to hijack Manchester City superstar’s move to Real Madrid In a major development, journalist Fabrice Hawkins of RMC Sport reports that FC Barcelona have launched an ambitious, high-stakes attempt to hijack Real Madrid’s blockbuster pursuit of Manchester City midfield general Rodri. Even though the 30-year-old Spanish international has already reached a comprehensive personal agreement on contract terms with Los Blancos , Barcelona have entered the race to convince the World Cup hero to choose Catalonia instead. A market opportunity? From a Barcelona perspective, the sudden move for the Manchester City midfielder represents a market opportunity, considering that he is in the final year of his contract at the Etihad Stadium. It could also stem from the recent injury blow to Frenkie de Jong which could keep him out for the rest of 2026, which has led to speculations about his long-term future at the club. Barcelona enter race for Rodri. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images) Following his masterclasses at the FIFA World Cup, where he captured the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player, Rodri is globally viewed as the perfect technical midfield anchor. Rodri’s unmatched tactical discipline, physical dominance, and elite ball-retention skills would elevate the team’s central core as Hansi Flick & co. push for the elusive UEFA Champions League trophy. It must also be remembered that Barcelona never signed a player to replace club legend Sergio Busquets and Rodri could be the rightful heir to the former Spain great. Capitalising on contract vulnerability While Real Madrid currently lead the race and remain in the driving seat due to their pre-existing contract agreement, Barcelona believe the transfer battle is far from settled. Manchester City are under immense pressure, as Rodri has officially entered the final 12 months of his contract at the Etihad Stadium. Because City must secure a sale this summer to avoid losing him for free next year, Barcelona are looking to exploit this contractual vulnerability. Rodri wants to return to Spain. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images) In addition to Real Madrid, Barcelona will also have to compete with PSG, who have already made enquiries with the Cityzens for the midfield general. The pitch to Rodri While Real Madrid can offer an immediate homecoming to his birth city, Barcelona’s sporting department, led by Deco, can rely on a distinct sporting pitch to turn the midfielder’s head. The club can offer Rodri the absolute, undisputed leadership of Flick’s midfield, alongside Pedri and the lure of joining a project that has already brought in a lot of success over the past couple of seasons compared to Real Madrid. The player has previously expressed a clear desire to return to La Liga before the end of his career. Whether Barcelona end up hijacking Real Madrid’s attempt to sign him now remains to be seen.