Manchester City stalls Rodri talks as Real Madrid and Barcelona vie for midfielder

Manchester City is deliberately delaying its transfer discussions with Real Madrid regarding Rodri, the 30-year-old Spanish midfielder who won the 2026 World Cup. Florentino Perez has been active in the market to strengthen Real Madrid for manager Jose Mourinho, who is said to be personally advocating for the signing. Fabrizio Romano reports that City’s pause is intended to assess interest from other clubs, and Barcelona have now emerged as a potential bidder following Frenkie de Jong’s long-term injury.

City sees the added competition as a way to improve their negotiating position and secure a higher fee before Rodri’s contract expires. While Barcelona’s financial limits make a deal uncertain, their involvement could pressure Madrid into offering more money. Nonetheless, Rodri has indicated a desire to join Real Madrid, which may render the bidding war moot.