Spanish midfield star Rodri arrived in Barcelona yesterday after leaving Manchester City to undergo his medical and sign for the Catalan club.
While Real Madrid appear to have moved on from the saga that saw them miss out on the 30-year-old, doubts still linger over how Los Blancos lost the initiative in the race.
For a very long time, it looked like Rodri would not go anywhere other than back to Madrid to play for Jose Mourinho.
However, Barçaemerged as an option out of the blue following Frenkie de Jong’s injury and snatched Rodri from under Madrid’s noses.
Now, according to MARCA, both Spanish clubs presented Rodri with very similar financial proposals.
Money was not the deciding factor
The decisive difference was therefore not his salary, but how the 30-year-old viewed his role and the stability of the respective sporting projects.
Real Madrid were prepared to compete financially for the midfielder, meaning Barcelona did not need to outbid their rivals to convince one of the world’s leading players to choose the Blaugrana shirt.
Rodri rejected Real Madrid’s offer for a particular reason. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Instead, the problem was that Rodri felt there was greater uncertainty surrounding Los Blancos’ project.
Barcelona offered something he considered more clearly defined, with an established core, a recognisable hierarchy within the dressing room and a style of football that naturally suits his strengths.
Barcelona’s football appealed to Rodri
The tactical element is believed to have been particularly important.
Rodri sees similarities between Barcelona’s football and the possession-oriented approach he has experienced both at Manchester City and with the Spain national team.
For a midfielder whose game revolves around controlling tempo, positioning and organising possession from the base of midfield, the attraction is obvious.
Hansi Flick has also communicated directly with Rodri about his importance to the project, explaining that his experience and leadership would be fundamental within such a young squad.
At 30, Rodri was not simply choosing his next club. He was potentially choosing where to spend the final major chapter of his prime years.
Madrid project viewed more uncertain
Real Madrid indeed made an offer for Rodri. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Real Madrid naturally remain capable of competing for every major trophy, and Rodri’s decision should not be interpreted as questioning the club’s stature.
The concern instead appears to have been about certainty.
Madrid have undergone significant changes to their squad and coaching structure, leaving questions about exactly how all their major pieces will eventually fit together.
Barcelona, meanwhile, could show Rodri a clearer picture of where he would play and what would be expected from him.
Jose Mourinho may be a charismatic manager with an excellent track record, but his last few years in management have been middling, to say the least.
Everything put together seems to have pushed Rodri towards Catalunya rather than Madrid, despite his obvious desire to wear white.
El Clasico this upcoming season will be particularly interesting because of this Rodri subplot, and it remains to be seen how he gets on at Barça.