Barcelona may have ultimately won the race for Spanish midfield superstar Rodri, but that did not always seem to be the case.
For much of the summer, it looked like the 30-year-old was Madrid-bound and would be playing for Jose Mourinho’s team this season.
Now, according to El Chiringuito TV journalist Juanfe Sanz, Madrid appear to have made a concrete attempt to take the Spanish midfielder to the Bernabeu before his decision was made.
It has been revealed that Los Blancos submitted an offer of around €45 million for the 30-year-old Manchester City star.
Real Madrid made their move for Rodri
Madrid’s interest in Rodri seemed evident after the Spanish midfielder made it clear that he wanted to return to his home country.
The Spanish club were prepared to put €45 million on the table in an attempt to secure his signing.
Manchester City’s demands ultimately required a considerably larger investment, with Barcelona pushing much further financially to get their man.
Rodri is set to sign for Barcelona. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
The revelation is still significant because it shows Barça did not just surpass exploratory interest from Madrid, they actually beat a bid.
Rodri ultimately chose Barcelona
Most importantly from a Barcelona perspective, Rodri’s eventual preference was clear.
The Spain international chose the Blaugrana project despite Madrid’s interest, indicating that the financial packages offered to the player were very similar.
That makes his decision particularly satisfying for Barça.
Rodri saw a clearer sporting fit in Barcelona, where Hansi Flick could immediately offer him an important role in a team whose football should suit his qualities.
To be fair, he would have also had an important sporting role at Madrid, but the project is not as certain as it is in the Catalan capital.
Real Madrid made an offer for Rodri this summer. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
For a 30-year-old signing probably the last big contract of his career, that clarity matters.
A major win for Barça
Getting one over Real Madrid is extremely rewarding on the football pitch, but it feels even more rewarding off it.
Los Blancos took advantage of Barça’s uncertainty earlier this summer window to swoop in and sign Bernardo Silva.
The Catalans hit back in the same window, with the roles reversed, acting decisively to sign Rodri ahead of Real Madrid.
While this does not necessarily guarantee sporting success for Barça, there is no doubt that Rodri massively improves an already great team.
It remains to be seen whether this is the one signing that proves to be the differentiator between Barça and Madrid this season.