Once it emerged that Rodri would not be signing a new contract at Manchester City, it quickly became clear that he wanted to return to Spain and preferably play for Real Madrid.
Los Blancos and Florentino Perez were initially apprehensive about making a move before deciding to go in and sign the midfielder.
However, simultaneously, Barcelona also positioned themselves to sign the Spaniard following Frenkie de Jong’s injury.
Eventually, Hansi Flick and the Spanish stars at Barça managed to convince Rodri to play for the Catalans, with the 30-year-old rejecting Madrid.
Now, according to Juanfe Sanz Perez on El Chiringuito TV, Madrid actually made a bid and put €45 million on the table for the 30-year-old midfielder.
Madrid made their move for Rodri
Madrid’s interest in Rodri was more than simply exploratory.
The club were prepared to make a significant financial commitment to bring the Spain international to the Santiago Bernabeu.
Real Madrid made a €45 million offer for Rodri. (Photo by Diego Souto/Getty Images)
Rodri’s quality and experience made him an obvious candidate to strengthen a midfield undergoing considerable change under Jose Mourinho.
However, the pursuit ultimately went nowhere, with the midfielder deciding that Barcelona would be his preferred destination.
The reported €45 million offer is particularly interesting given Manchester City’s demands for the player and the eventual fee Barça paid to sign him.
It seems like a classic case of Madrid testing the waters with a bid just to see what kind of demands the English club were placing.
Rodri ultimately preferred Barcelona
Madrid’s failure to land Rodri was not simply about finances.
The midfielder is said to have received similar financial proposals from both Spanish giants, but it is the sporting project that tipped the scales in the Catalan club’s favour.
Despite the fact that he is the exact profile Madrid’s midfield is lacking, Real Madrid did not really go into the negotiations with much conviction.
Rodri is going to sign for Barcelona. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Barça, on the other hand, had a clear role outlined for him, with Flick entrusting him as a leader in an otherwise very young dressing room.
Rodri would have offered Mourinho an experienced controller capable of immediately becoming an important part of the midfield, but it was not to be.
Madrid might not have gone for him at any cost
There is another side to the story, however.
Real Madrid’s willingness to offer €45 million does not mean the club were prepared to enter an open-ended bidding war for a player who has already turned 30.
Rodri is unquestionably an elite midfielder, but Madrid also have to consider the age profile of their squad and the long-term value of major investments.
Once Barcelona became the player’s clear preference and Manchester City’s valuation remained considerably higher, continuing to push the operation would have become increasingly difficult.
Ultimately, it was a transfer deal that was not meant to be, and Madrid will be hoping to get the better of him when they face him in the Clasico later this season.