Archive · 7 Aug 2026
Rodri picks Barcelona over Real Madrid, agent confirms
Rodri is a famous football player who plays for Manchester City.
He is the captain who helped Spain win the World Cup.
His contract with Manchester City is almost over.
Another big Spanish team, Barcelona, wants to sign him.
Real Madrid, a rival team, also wanted Rodri.
But Rodri's agent says Rodri has chosen to go to Barcelona.
Barcelona now has his permission to talk with Manchester City about a move.
Barcelona wants new players because their captain, Frenkie de Jong, is hurt and may be out for many months.
Rodri is a very good player, but he has had some bad injuries in the past.
Nobody knows for sure yet if the move will actually happen.
Rodri's agent confirmed the Spanish midfielder has chosen Barcelona over Real Madrid, informing Real Madrid out of respect.
An FC Barcelona source told AFP the club has secured the player's agreement to open negotiations with Manchester City, though a deal is not guaranteed.
The 30-year-old is entering the final year of his Manchester City contract, having joined from Atletico Madrid in 2019.
Barcelona is looking to strengthen its squad after captain Frenkie de Jong suffered a serious knee injury expected to sideline him for months.
Rodri captained Spain to the FIFA World Cup 2026 title and won the 2024 Ballon d'Or, but injuries limited him to 17 Premier League starts in 2025-26.
- Who
- Rodri (Rodrigo Hernández Cascante), the 30-year-old Spanish midfielder and World Cup-winning captain, along with FC Barcelona, Real Madrid and Manchester City.
- What
- Rodri has reportedly chosen to join Barcelona over Real Madrid, and Barcelona has secured his agreement to open negotiations with Manchester City over a transfer.
- When
- Reported as Rodri enters the final year of his Manchester City contract, covering the 2026-27 season.
- Where
- Spain, involving Barcelona and Real Madrid, and Manchester City's Etihad Stadium in England.
- Why
- Barcelona wants to strengthen its squad, partly because captain Frenkie de Jong faces a months-long absence with a serious knee injury, while Real Madrid also sought midfield reinforcement.
- Player
- Rodri (Rodrigo Hernández Cascante)
- Age
- 30
- Current club
- Manchester City
- Contract status
- Final year of contract (2026-27 season)
- Reported destination
- Barcelona, over Real Madrid
- Joined Manchester City
- 2019, from Atletico Madrid
- Recent honours
- Ballon d'Or 2024; FIFA World Cup 2026 winner and Golden Ball
- Barcelona motivation
- Frenkie de Jong's serious knee injury; manager Hansi Flick pressing for squad additions