Barcelona’s move for Rodri over Real Madrid was not decided by money, according to a report from MARCA, with the Spanish midfielder instead placing greater importance on the sporting project offered to him.
According to the outlet, both Barcelona and Real Madrid were prepared to offer Rodri a very similar contract.
Financially, there was little to separate the two proposals, meaning the World Cup winner’s decision came down to what he believed would be the best environment for the next stage of his career.
And, according to the report, Barcelona had the edge.
At 30, Rodri is said to have looked closely at the direction of both clubs before making his choice.
Rodri is set to sign for Barcelona. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
While the appeal of Real Madrid was never in doubt, uncertainty surrounding their sporting project played a major role in pushing the midfielder towards Barcelona.
Barcelona sporting project convinced Rodri
The report suggests that Rodri saw Barcelona as a more stable and clearly defined project under Hansi Flick.
The Catalan giants already have an established core, with clear roles across the squad and a style of football that suits Rodri’s qualities.
More importantly, the financial side of the proposed move was effectively identical. Rodri was not choosing Barcelona because they were offering more money.
Instead, Rodri’s Barcelona transfer decision was based on sporting ambition.
Rodri rejected Real Madrid for Barcelona. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
The report points to the similarities between the way Barça want to play and the system Rodri has experienced with the Spain national team, where he has been one of the most important figures in midfield.
The prospect of working under Flick, playing alongside several Spanish teammates and joining a squad with an established hierarchy appears to have strengthened Barcelona’s position.
Real Madrid uncertainty played a major role
Sure, Real Madrid are one of the biggest clubs in world football, but Rodri had concerns about the certainty of the Real Madrid sporting project.
The club may have the resources, reputation and quality, but Rodri viewed Barcelona’s current direction as more predictable.
For a player entering his thirties, stability was an important factor when considering such a major career decision and that is where Barcelona appear to have won the battle.