Rodri Turned Down Real Madrid's Money for a Barça Project
According to Spanish media, Real Madrid made repeated internal efforts to convince Rodri to join them instead of Barcelona, but the Catalan club's sporting project proved decisive.
Spanish media have revealed new details about the behind-the-scenes battle between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona for the signature of Rodri, with the Real Madrid president, general director and staff reportedly working personally to convince the player to join the capital club instead of Barcelona.
A bid described as "derisory"
- Real Madrid's opening bid to Manchester City was below €40m
- The club later raised its offer to only around €45m
- Personal financial terms offered to the player were similar between both clubs
The sporting project made the difference
Rodri's decision was not driven by money, but by the sporting project: Barcelona offered him a central role within a tactical system close to that of the Spanish national team, which had just been crowned world champions, while Real Madrid remained more hesitant about his age and playing style.
Key facts
- Real Madrid mobilised their entire hierarchy to convince Rodri, without success.
- Their financial offer to Manchester City was well below Barcelona's.
- The clarity of Barcelona's sporting project proved to be the decisive factor.
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