Rodri had appeared all set to join Real Madrid this summer, but the story has now taken a dramatic turn.
Barcelona are close to pulling off one of the boldest transfer hijacks of the summer window.
Despite long-time rivals Real Madrid being heavily linked, Los Cules are now reportedly leading the race to sign Manchester City midfielder Rodri.
According to a report from The Athletic, the Catalan club have stepped in after negotiations between Madrid and Manchester City broke down, and a deal to bring the 30-year-old Spain captain to Spotify Camp Nou is now said to be close.
For several weeks, it had looked as though Real Madrid were destined to sign Rodri.
After his outstanding displays in helping Spain win the World Cup, Madrid president Florentino Perez is said to have identified the former Villarreal and Atletico Madrid player as the missing piece in Los Blancos' midfield.
Even though an initial verbal agreement had reportedly been reached on personal terms, transfer talks between Madrid and Manchester City have since collapsed.
The Spanish side were not prepared to match City's £80 million valuation, especially with Rodri turning 31 next summer and moving into the final year of his contract. City's unwillingness to reduce that asking price brought negotiations to a halt and created an opening for a late move from elsewhere.
Rodri is reportedly open to joining Barcelona instead of Madrid, which will undoubtedly come as welcome news to Manchester City officials after the earlier talks had threatened to cost them as much as £80m.
Barcelona are also eager to strengthen their central midfield department following Frenkie de Jong's long-term injury.
With Los Cules offering him an important tactical role alongside emerging talents Pau Cubarsi and Lamine Yamal, Rodri has reportedly agreed to choose a move to Catalonia over one to Madrid.
If the hijack is completed, it would send a strong message from Barcelona ahead of the 2026/27 season.
The LaLiga champions' move in the market could allow them to sign one of the finest defensive midfielders in world football, while also taking him away from their biggest rivals.
For Real Madrid, missing out on their leading transfer target to Barcelona would be a tough blow, although it would also free up funds and improve their position in negotiations for other deals.
