Barcelona are reportedly working on a deal to sign Rodri, who the Catalans see as a long-term replacement for Sergio Busquets.
According to Football Insider, Barcelona could step up their interest in Rodri and prepare a deal to sign the midfielder. The Catalans view the 26-year-old star as a long-term replacement for Sergio Busquets, but any move may have difficulties.
Pep Guardiola urged Manchester City to spend over £60 million in 2019 to bring Rodri to the Etihad. They wanted to revamp their midfield and phase away from Fernandinho. The idea has worked brilliantly as the Spanish international has become a mainstay in their system.
Rodri has been one of the first names on Guardiola’s teamsheet since coming to the club, amassing 185 appearances. He has come in handy in this period, with 15 goals and 14 assists across all competitions. In their style of play, the 26-year-old star plays a crucial role in holding the midfield together and dictating the tempo.
For now, he is one of their most important players. Manchester City are reportedly concerned about his future amid tremendous interest from Barcelona. As Rodri has won every domestic trophy in England, barring the FA Cup, he could become tempted by a return to Spain.
Barcelona play a similar style to Manchester City with their possession-based football. They have a huge need for a new midfield general and a replacement for Sergio Busquets. Martin Zubimendi was long earmarked as a possible target. But reports claim they are probably out of the race for the Real Sociedad star.
Rodri is not seen as an alternative but as an A-list replacement for Busquets. He will likely cost more than Zubimendi would. Yet, the price point was the main reason Barcelona are considering pulling out of the race for the Real Sociedad star.
As Barcelona keep tabs on Rodri’s situation at Manchester City, they could formalise an approach in the summer. The report suggests the Catalans are reportedly preparing an £80 million offer to tempt Manchester City into selling the 26-year-old star.
Considering the widespread stories about Barcelona’s finances, it is difficult to envisage where they might bring the money from. Unless they conduct a top-notch sale, the Catalans may not be able to afford Rodri’s transfer fees.
Yet, they could make it work to formalise a bid for the 26-year-old star in the summer. Guardiola would not like these reports as he considers Rodri untouchable in his system. Yet, the manager has insisted many times that neither he nor the club would stand in the way of players wanting to depart.
Hence, much will depend on Rodri’s desire to return to Spain and play for Barcelona. Before the English adventure began, he had spent time with Villarreal and Atletico Madrid. The links to Barcelona refuse to die down, which may indicate the interest from the Catalans could prove genuine.
