Real Madrid custodian reacts to top midfield target joining Barcelona – “It’s his loss”

Real Madrid custodian reacts to top midfield target joining Barcelona – “It’s his loss” In the matter of weeks, Rodri once again became a villain at Real Madrid by opting to reject a move to Bernabeu to join rival Barcelona. Rodri was already a controversial figure in Madrid after the 2024 Ballon d’Or saga. And now, his decision to join Barcelona despite close to a move to Real Madrid, has further irked the club and its supporters. As far as the Real Madrid stars are concerned, though, they are not too obsessed about the fact that Rodri has joined Barcelona, as evident by Thibaut Courtois’ reaction recently. Courtois on Rodri’s move Rodri is once again a hated figure at Real Madrid. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images) Speaking to the media after the narrow win over Espanyol, Courtois was asked about Rodri’s move to Barcelona. In response, the Belgian international simply respected the midfielder’s choice but believes he made an unfortunate decision. “Every player chooses the place he wants to be in. If he doesn’t want to be with us, that’s unfortunate for him,” he said (h/t The Touchline ). Rodri was close to joining Real Madrid earlier in the summer. But complications in negotiations opened up the door for Barcelona to swoop in, with the midfielder not hesitating in joining the Catalan outfit. Real Madrid on the prowl Mourinho wants a new midfielder. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) The botched move for Rodri understandably left Jose Mourinho frustrated and the new Real Madrid coach is keen on signing a new midfielder. Unfortunately, with just about a week remaining in the summer transfer window, time and options are running out for Los Blancos . The club have been linked with a move for Martin Zubimendi but his high valuation set by Arsenal means he is longer an option. Another midfield target Adam Wharton is also set to stay at Crystal Palace , as confirmed by manager Pierre Sage recently. That leaves Real Madrid with Kees Smit as the only possible option should the club grow desperate to bring in a new midfielder this summer. Smit has shown a lot of potential and could be a cost-effective option for Los Blancos .