On the same day that Real Madrid delighted its fans with the big-money signing of Yan Diomande, the Spanish giants appear to have lost the race for another star addition. Perhaps an even bigger one than Diomande…The latest reports from several of Europe's best-known transfer insiders claim that Rodri said "yes" to Barcelona this afternoon! Real Madrid had been regarded as the favorite for Rodri's signature for weeks, while PSG also entered the race, but Barcelona remained in the picture throughout and never abandoned the idea. The situation surrounding Frenkie de Jong accelerated Barcelona's efforts to sign the World Cup-winning captain. De Jong injured his knee and initially opted for conservative treatment, hoping for the best, but it now appears that he will have to undergo surgery, which would keep him out for several months. Barcelona is aware of the risks involved and of how much De Jong has struggled with injuries recently, which is why the Catalans accelerated their pursuit of Rodri.🚨 Rodri has officially REJECTED Real Madrid. ❌🤍The reasons Rodri gave Real Madrid for choosing to sign for Barcelona:🔸 Barça's style of play suits him better than Real Madrid's.🔸 Pep Guardiola's influence and legacy played a key role.🔸 He has stronger relationships… pic.twitter.com/NLJ6wD0hV2— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) August 6, 2026 Meanwhile, Real Madrid were hesitating, despite also receiving a positive signal from Rodri. Los Blancos shifted their entire focus towards completing Diomande's transfer and negotiating a new contract for Vinícius Junior. Rodri reportedly grew tired of waiting and readily accepted Barcelona's approach. What's more, he believes Barcelona's style of play would suit him better, while he would also be reunited with several of his Spain teammates. Remember that Real Madrid did not have a single representative in Spain's World Cup squad. Spanish media are already criticizing the Madrid’s executives for giving up on this deal, as it is known that when Real wants somebody, there are no limits. So the general feeling is that the club didn’t make enough effort and that this is a strategic mistake, considering that Real needs Rodri more than Barcelona needs him.El Clasico is spectacle, but let us present you with Barca vs. Real war for RodriThis still does not mean that Barcelona have agreed a deal for Rodri. The Spaniard has one year remaining on his Manchester City contract, and City will not let him leave for a bargain fee. The Citizens are expected to demand around 70 million for their star player, while Barcelona hope to seal the deal for 50 million euros. In the opening stages of negotiations, they will probably offer even less. However, with the player's clear desire to join Barcelona — effectively closing the door on Real Madrid — a transfer now appears highly likely. It is merely a question of the fee Manchester City and Barcelona eventually agree upon…Busy days in Madrid: Secret meeting fuels Rodri "betrayal" rumours?There is virtually no chance of Rodri extending his contract in Manchester. He had already made his dissatisfaction clear to the English club, having felt undervalued financially during the period when he was regarded as European football's Ballon d'Or-winning star. City cannot afford to lose him for nothing, while new manager Enzo Maresca does not need an unhappy superstar at the beginning of a complicated rebuilding process following Pep Guardiola's departure. With Rodri, alongside Pedri, Gavi, Fermín Lopez and a fully fit Marc Bernal, Barcelona would have an exceptionally powerful midfield. Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi have already arrived in attack, while the club is still looking for a traditional centre-forward. Julian Alvarez would be a difficult mission, but the Catalans will try — especially if Ferran Torres also leaves. With Dani Olmo, Lamine Yamal and Raphinha already in the squad, Barcelona could assemble a team that would be an absolute nightmare for opponents to defend against.##NAJAVA_MECA_9883864##