Just a few days ago, Rodri Hernández’s transfer to Real Madrid seemed more like a matter of time than a complex negotiation. The player had chosen Los Blancos, Manchester City were willing to sell, and all parties were finalizing the last details of one of the summer’s marquee transfers.
However, what appeared to be a straightforward deal rapidly devolved into a direct El Clásico transfer battle after Rodri grew tired of waiting, listened to Hansi Flick’s proposal, and gave Barcelona his preliminary approval.
Rodri Originally Chose Real Madrid
The saga began with Rodri’s clear intention to return to Spain and wear the iconic white shirt of Real Madrid. Convicted by the sporting project, the midfielder informed interested suitors that Madrid was his sole destination should he leave the Etihad Stadium.
Talks advanced rapidly: Rodri agreed to core personal terms, and Real Madrid closed in on an understanding with Manchester City, who were ready to sell given the player’s contract expires in June 2027 and his refusal to sign an extension.
Madrid’s move gathered pace following Rodri’s heroic campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he captained Spain to the trophy and claimed the Golden Ball, effectively dispelling fitness concerns following two injury-plagued seasons. Suits at Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich backed away upon learning that the Santiago Bernabéu was his absolute priority.
How Real Madrid Derailed the Agreement
According to journalist Sergio Valentín, the trajectory of negotiations shifted after Juni Calafat, Real Madrid’s Chief of International Football, informed Florentino Pérez that Manchester City’s asking price could be lowered.
Manchester City demanded between €75 million and €80 million, whereas Real Madrid aimed to seal the transfer for €50 million to €60 million at most. Listening to Calafat’s advice, Pérez chose to stall and push for a price reduction despite advanced agreements with both player and club.
Real Madrid informed Rodri they would attempt to renegotiate the fee, but City refused to grant further discounts. When Pérez stood firm, the deal ground to a sudden halt.
Rodri initially waited for Madrid to react, reiterating his desire to join them. However, as time elapsed without a revised offer meeting City’s valuation, frustration set in. The 30-year-old felt that despite being asked to wait and reject alternative offers, Real Madrid lacked the urgency required to finalize the transfer.
Reports indicate that agent Jorge Mendes conveyed these details to José Mourinho, leaving the Real Madrid manager stunned by how close the deal was before stalling over a disagreement over the transfer fee.
Three Days That Changed Rodri’s Mind
Barcelona Sporting Director Deco seized on the stalemate three days ago. Having previously assumed Rodri was locked in for Madrid, Deco reached out directly to outline Barca’s project and his prospective role within the squad.
Manager Hansi Flick spoke directly with Rodri, assuring him that his tactical profile perfectly matches Barcelona’s possession-heavy, buildup style, and promising him the central role as the midfield anchor rather than a secondary squad depth option.
Rodri’s Spanish international teammates also played a decisive role. Players like Pedri, Gavi, Dani Olmo, Lamine Yamal, and Ferran Torres contacted him to emphasize how seamlessly he would adapt and how they could replicate their successful World Cup midfield partnership at club level.
Meanwhile, Manchester City actively sought to introduce a second bidder to pressure Madrid into raising their offer—only to find a genuine alternative that appealed to the player. Barcelona was no longer a bargaining chip; Flick’s sporting project genuinely convinced the midfielder to reconsider his choices.
Feeling far more desired by Barcelona and having lost patience with Real Madrid’s negotiating tactics, Rodri was further enticed by the prospect of anchoring a midfield alongside Pedri.
Cadena SER reports that Barcelona have secured Rodri’s green light, having already earmarked approximately €50 million to initiate the transfer. The Catalan club is preparing a formal offer for Manchester City featuring performance-related add-ons to bridge the gap with City’s valuation.
Mourinho Fuming as Real Madrid Pay the Price
While the transfer is not yet official—as Barcelona have yet to reach a final financial agreement with Manchester City—the biggest hurdle has shifted. Real Madrid no longer hold the player’s exclusive agreement and must now increase their offer while re-convincing Rodri.
Attempting to save between €15 million and €20 million has backfired on Real Madrid, handing Barcelona an unexpected lifeline and converting a done deal into an intense bidding war.
Behind the scenes, José Mourinho expressed fury at how the situation was managed and how Madrid lost their decisive advantage. The Portuguese manager has demanded the board secure a world-class holding midfielder immediately—either by swiftly reviving the Rodri deal or pivoting to an alternative of equal caliber.
