Rodri reportedly chooses Barcelona after sporting project sways decision

Rodri has reportedly chosen Barcelona over Real Madrid after being persuaded that the Catalan club offered the strongest sporting pathway, according to an account published by Yahoo Sports and attributed to Mundo Deportivo.

The Spain midfielder is reported to have viewed Barcelona’s project, led by sporting director Deco and manager Hansi Flick, as the environment in which he could continue to develop and compete for major honours. His comments framed the decision around football planning rather than sentiment or status.

Rodri also reportedly praised Real Madrid’s conduct during the negotiations, describing the choice between the two Spanish giants as difficult. He said he contacted José Mourinho to thank him for his interest and treatment, and called him a great manager.

The reported Barcelona deal is valued at about £65.4 million, with a four-year contract said to have been agreed. The move has not been independently confirmed in the supplied material.

Rodri is described as having spent seven seasons at Manchester City, where he reportedly won 12 major honours. He said Real Madrid would remain a strong rival in the league.