Barcelona may also be interested in signing Manchester City midfielder Rodri this summer, which could lead to a big transfer showdown with their La Liga rivals Real Madrid. The Spain international has been one of the most coveted midfielders in Europe since his World Cup triumph and Golden Ball award.
Barcelona Show Interest in Rodri
Rodri is still one year left on his Manchester City deal, further fuelling rumours that he may be joining the Etihad this summer. Real Madrid have been considered the top choice for the 30-year-old and there are signs that the club’s president Florentino Pérez is on board with a transfer.
But Barcelona may now make Madrid’s task more difficult. Fabrizio Romano has stated Manchester City are waiting to see if other teams, such as Barcelona, make a move for the midfielder.
Frenkie de Jong Injury Could Change Barcelona’s Plans
Barcelona have been interested in Frenkie de Jong and it has been suggested that the Spaniards have been interested because of his injury. The Dutch midfielder is likely to be sidelined for a few months due to a knee ailment that he picked up during the World Cup.
Hansi Flick has also been plagued by injuries in the past and will be worried about midfield depth. Gavi, Dani Olmo and Fermín López can be used in the midfield but they are more advanced and play in different roles. Barcelona could look at an established alternative, with both Marc Casadó and Marc Bernal still available in-house, although they are not as experienced.
Real Madrid Have a Clear Need for Rodri
Since Toni Kroos and Luka Modrić left, Real Madrid have been searching for a long-term solution in the middle of the park. Aurelien Tchouaméni is the club’s primary defensive midfielder, with Federico Valverde and Eduardo Camavinga able to play in deeper roles.
Rodri would thus give José Mourinho a tried-and-tested controller who could safeguard the defence, control the play and provide leadership in midfield.
Rodri Still Favours Real Madrid
Barcelona are said to be interested but Real Madrid seem to be the preferred choice of Rodri. The midfielder has been quoted positively about the prospect of joining Madrid and it has been reported that he would still prefer to join the Santiago Bernabéu if he leaves Manchester City.
Barcelona’s interest may complicate the negotiations, however, and could add to the competition for the World Cup winner.
Who Needs Rodri More?
Barcelona have a problem on the midfield after the injury of De Jong, while Real Madrid have a future requirement for a specialist controller in the midfield. Rodri could help Mourinho with a tactical issue and bring some top class experience to the Madrid team, whilst Barcelona may benefit from his quality and experience in De Jong’s absence.
Barcelona will be looking to see if the market changes over the next few weeks, but if it doesn’t then the Catalan side may find themselves left out of the fray as Manchester City sit on the sidelines.
You May Also Like
