Barcelona turn focus to Rodri despite Julian Alvarez interest; Man City star reportedly agrees terms

Barcelona’s pursuit of Rodri is reportedly gathering momentum, with the Manchester City and Spain midfielder said to have agreed personal terms with the Catalan club.

Rodri had previously been linked with Real Madrid following the FIFA World Cup, with reports claiming the Spanish giants had reached an agreement on personal terms. However, Barcelona’s approach appears to have changed the transfer picture, with reports suggesting Rodri rejected Real Madrid’s advances after Barca made contact and chose to explore a move to Camp Nou.

The reported development comes as Barcelona shift their transfer priorities. The club had been heavily linked with Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez as a potential replacement for Robert Lewandowski, who left after his contract expired. Alvarez has reportedly been keen on a move away from Atletico, with Barcelona among his preferred destinations, but Atletico have resisted attempts to sell the Argentine.

Barcelona are now reportedly prioritising Rodri instead, despite already boasting considerable depth in midfield with Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, Dani Olmo, Gavi, Fermin Lopez, Marc Bernal and Casado.

Why Rodri makes sense for Barcelona

De Jong’s recent injury problems have highlighted the need for greater midfield depth, while Barcelona have lacked a natural defensive midfielder capable of shielding the defence, controlling possession and dictating the tempo since Sergio Busquets departed.

Rodri would fill that role. The Spain international has established himself as one of the world’s leading holding midfielders through his performances for Manchester City and Spain, with his consistency at club level contributing to his Ballon d’Or triumph.

Reports have put a potential transfer fee at around €65 million, which could represent attractive value in an increasingly expensive transfer market. Manchester City recently paid a club-record £116 million for England midfielder Elliot Anderson, underlining the premium placed on elite midfield talent.

Rodri could solve Barcelona’s defensive problems

Barcelona’s decision to prioritise a midfielder over a striker may appear surprising, but their recent Champions League performances highlight the need for greater defensive stability.

The Catalan club scored 32 goals in 12 Champions League matches last season, averaging 2.67 per game, but also conceded 20 and failed to keep a clean sheet throughout the campaign.

Rodri could provide the defensive protection Barcelona have lacked while allowing Pedri and the club’s other creative midfielders to operate further forward.

His ability to retain possession, dictate the rhythm of matches and break up opposition attacks would also complement Hansi Flick’s possession-based, high-line approach.

Rodri’s importance to Spain was similarly evident at the World Cup, where Spain conceded just once when he played. His presence offered protection to the defence while allowing Spain to dominate possession and control matches.

For Barcelona, signing Rodri could therefore address more than just a shortage of midfield depth. It could provide the defensive leadership, composure and experience needed to compete for the Champions League and potentially bring Europe’s biggest club trophy back to Camp Nou.