Manchester City's midfielder Rodri has become a target for Barcelona, who are hopeful of outbidding their LaLiga rivals Real Madrid for the Spanish captain's signature. With Rodri entering the final year of his contract at City, both Spanish giants are keen on securing his services. Real Madrid have already been in talks with City and are willing to pay £50m, but Barcelona believe they have a good chance of signing him. However, City are reluctant to sell their key player and are instead hoping Rodri will agree to a new long-term contract.
Following a successful back surgery after the World Cup, Rodri is currently recovering and is expected to miss the Community Shield and the opening Premier League fixture. Real Madrid's president Florentino Perez has been under pressure to sign more Spanish players, and the club has already signed Marc Cucurella from Chelsea. Sky Sports pundits Jamie Carragher and Laura Hunter have weighed in on the situation, with Carragher stating that City should keep Rodri even if it means losing him for free next year, given his exceptional talent and importance to the team. Hunter agrees, highlighting Rodri's unique ability to control games and his irreplaceable role in City's strategy.