Rodri now open to joining Barcelona, but they are wary of Real Madrid

Rodri is open to leaving Manchester City, and Real Madrid want to sign him.

However, according to Jijantes, Barcelona are now considering making their move for him.

Barcelona could use a midfielder of Rodri’s ilk following the long-term injury suffered by Dutch midfielder Frenkie De Jong.

He will miss a chunk of the beginning of the season, leaving a gaping hole in the centre of the park as they bid to defend their La Liga crown.

Rodri would immediately step in and stabilise the midfield. He is light years ahead of Marc Bernal and Marc Casado when it comes to providing balance in the engine room.

Barcelona are wary of Madrid, who have been chasing Rodri for much longer and are likely ahead in the race.

Madrid cannot afford to miss out on Rodri

Madrid desperately need the 30-year-old to conduct proceedings.

They have struggled since the departure of Toni Kroos, and they have turned to the Spaniard to provide the progressive play they need from deep.

His arrival could bring out the best in Jude Bellingham, Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni after their struggles last term.

Ultimately, this is a transfer that could shape the balance of power in Spanish football for a few years.

With Barcelona having lifted the La Liga title three times in the last four seasons, reclaiming domestic supremacy has to be Madrid’s overriding objective.

Missing out on Rodri would be a huge setback, but losing him directly to their fiercest rivals would be even more damaging.

If Barcelona win the race for the Ballon d’Or winner, Madrid can almost forget about taking the league crown back.

It would hand the Catalans another enormous advantage and make their grip on La Liga even harder to loosen.