Why Rodri Would Be the Ultimate Signing for Real Madrid (And Why It Won’t Happen)

Real Madrid missed out on signing midfielder Rodri after the player chose to transfer to rival club Barcelona for a fee of 76,5 juta Euro, according to reports from multiple outlets. While Real Madrid head coach Jose Mourinho acknowledged that the Ballon d’Or 2024 winner would have been a perfect squad addition, he expressed no major regrets over the failed pursuit.

Why Real Madrid Missed Out on Rodri

Real Madrid had long monitored Rodri as a potential long-term replacement for departing midfielders like Luka Modric and Toni Kroos. According to Bolasport.com, citing a report from Marca, the club’s hierarchy held internal doubts about the transfer. Executives felt that the Spain international was not the dynamic, high-energy profile the team truly required for its midfield overhaul.

Adding to the hesitation, Jose Mourinho revealed during a Spanish television appearance, as noted by Antaranews.com, that Rodri’s own indecision played a critical role in cooling Madrid’s interest. Mourinho explained that, in his view, Real Madrid is a club that demands a clear commitment from players considering a move there.

Mourinho stated that Real Madrid expects incoming players to be eager and decisive. “When Madrid contacts a player, that player should immediately be asking: ‘When should I arrive?’” he said.

Barcelona Secures the Midfield Star

With just one year remaining on his contract at Manchester City, Rodri ultimately opted to move to Camp Nou. Barcelona quickly finalized a deal worth 76,5 juta Euro (approximately Rp 1,57 triliun) to bring the Euro 2024 and 2026 World Cup winner back to Spain.

Speaking on his arrival, Rodri noted that the presence of several international teammates at Barcelona—including Pedri, Dani Olmo, Pau Cubarsi, Gavi, Joan Garcia, and Lamine Yamal—would make his locker room integration seamless. He said he was joining a club that was very ambitious and a good fit for his personality.

Mourinho’s Stance on Real Madrid’s Midfield Depth

Despite missing the chance to sign the Manchester City standout, Mourinho insisted that Real Madrid possesses enough quality in the center of the pitch. During a press conference ahead of a weekend fixture against Espanyol, the Portuguese coach downplayed any roster concerns.

“There is no shortage. He certainly would have been the perfect complement,” Mourinho said. “He is a great player with a lot of experience, but when we have Tchouaméni, Valverde, Bernardo, or Arda, who can play in those positions, we realize that we will not experience any problems.”

Real Madrid’s active summer transfer window also saw the arrivals of Marc Cucurella, Ibrahima Konate, Denzel Dumfries, Bernardo Silva, Carlos Espi, and Yan Diomande, reinforcing the squad across multiple positions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much did Barcelona pay for Rodri?

Barcelona paid Manchester City a transfer fee of 76,5 juta Euro, equivalent to roughly Rp 1,57 triliun.

Why did Real Madrid fail to sign Rodri?

Which players did Real Madrid sign in the summer?

Real Madrid brought in Marc Cucurella, Ibrahima Konate, Denzel Dumfries, Bernardo Silva, Carlos Espi, and Yan Diomande.