The summer's most shocking transfer story has taken an absolutely mind-bending turn. Manchester City and Spain's world-class midfielder, Rodri, has made his explicit desire to play for FC Barcelona above Real Madrid. According to RMC Sport journalist Fabrice Hawkins, both City and Los Blancos have already been informed of 30-year-old's preference.
With Real Madrid considered frontrunners to snatch City's Spaniard, his stance is a massive twist and throws a wrench in Madrid’s long-held plans to bring him back to the capital.
Fed up of waiting for Real Madrid to take a definitive step, Rodri has reached a deal with Barca who has also guaranteed him concerning negotiations with the english side.
Barca will directly contact City in the next few hours. Some of his national teammates have played an important role for Rodri to consider to sign for FC Barcelona.
Frenkie de Jong injury triggers Barcelona action
Whilst the Galacticos were thought to be in prime position, the Blaugrana have accelerated negotiations after star midfielder Frenkie de Jong was hit with a significant knee injury and will face several months out.
With Barcelona making an elite defensive midfielder their number one priority, Hansi Flick and Barcelona’s technical team have identified Rodri as the perfect midfielder to build their midfield system around. More importantly, Rodri agrees that his game control and style could flourish at the Camp Nou.
The 60M-70M price tag and financial hurdle
Rodri’s contract situation is also relevant. Entering his final year at the Etihad, Manchester City are in an awkward position. While Pep Guardiola does not want to see his midfield maestro depart, they would be willing to cash in than allow the midfielder to depart for free in next summer’s transfer window.
A fee of between 60 million-70 million Euros would likely be accepted by the English giants.
The immediate challenge will now land directly on the doorstep of Joan Laporta and Barcelona’s financial team who will need to act fast and concoct a suitable financial package in order to meet City’s valuation and meet Rodri’s financial expectations.
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