The Crucial Element Behind Rodri’s Choice to Join Barcelona Over Real Madrid

Rodri stood out as a defining storyline in the 2026 summer transfer market, ultimately leaving Real Madrid to sign with longtime rivals FC Barcelona. As a key figure for the Blaugrana, the Spanish midfielder has now disclosed the primary reason behind his move.

Before the World Cup, Real Madrid was reportedly interested in Rodri, though official talks did not begin until just before the tournament. Despite direct discussions between Real Madrid president Florentino Perez, manager Jose Mourinho, and the midfielder, Barcelona successfully finalized the agreement.

In an interview with Mundo Deportivo, Rodri discussed his decision and the context of the negotiations: “Ultimately, I decided based on the sporting aspects, what excited me more, and where I could achieve the most growth as a player. It was not an easy choice; turning down Madrid is difficult, especially given their exemplary conduct toward me. In the end, the influence of Deco and Hansi convinced me.”

Reported by The Athletic to be valued at up to 76.5 million euros ($87.8M USD), Barcelona acquired Rodri from Manchester City. Although Mourinho claimed Real Madrid presented an “unrefusable” financial package, the sporting project offered by Barcelona proved to be the deciding factor for the midfielder.

Rodri of Barcelona is challenged by Petar Ratkov of Levante UD. (Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

Rodri explained how sporting director Deco shaped his decision through a patient approach during negotiations. “At no point did they exert any pressure on me. Everyone conveyed their desire to have me on the team, to collaborate, and what I could bring to the squad. I appreciated how they treated me and their lack of urgency. It was simply about sharing their enthusiasm for me joining their project and their belief that they needed someone like me. Above all, the naturalness of their communication stood out. It felt very familiar, like a family club, which attracted me greatly.”

Rodri stressed that his decision was not meant as a slight against Real Madrid, reiterating that his choice was strictly based on footballing alignment. “It was about what they understood I could contribute on and off the pitch, and I genuinely appreciated that,” the midfielder concluded.

Rodri Instantly Becomes a Pillar of Barcelona’s Midfield

A lengthy World Cup campaign followed by a late-window transfer prevented Rodri from participating in Barcelona’s preseason, causing him to miss the season opener as he gradually built his match fitness. However, within just a few weeks, the midfielder has established himself as an indispensable anchor in head coach Hansi Flick’s tactical system.

During Sunday’s 4-2 victory over Levante, Rodri played his first full 90 minutes in a Barcelona shirt. Through his early appearances, the midfielder leads Barcelona in completed long passes per match (4.8) and maintains the highest pass completion rate among La Liga midfielders at 96 percent on 61.5 attempted passes per game.

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