Barcelona close in on Rodri after midfielder rejects Real Madrid

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Spain’s midfielder #16 Rodri kisses the Golden Ball Award during the award ceremony of the 2026 World Cup football tournament final match between Spain and Argentina at the New York/New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford on July 19, 2026. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP)

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Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri has reportedly given the green light to a move to Barcelona this summer, in a major development in the transfer race for the 30-year-old.

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According to journalist Gerard Romero of Jijantes FC, Rodri has said ‘yes’ to joining the Catalan giants, paving the way for Barcelona to begin negotiations to complete the transfer.

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Rodri had been strongly linked with a move to Real Madrid, with the Spanish giants reportedly having agreed personal terms with the midfielder and holding discussions with Manchester City over a potential deal.

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However, delays in reaching an agreement are understood to have opened the door for Barcelona, who have moved quickly and now appear to have secured a verbal affirmation from the 2026 FIFA World Cup winner.

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Barcelona can now turn their attention towards negotiating the finer details of a potential transfer for the former Ballon d’Or winner.

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