Manchester City have breathed a sigh of relief as Barcelona hijacked the transfer of midfielder Rodri from Real Madrid, according to a report from The Athletic. The Catalan giants have reportedly swooped in, capitalising on a breakdown in negotiations between Madrid and Man City, with a deal to take the 30-year-old Spain captain to Spotify Camp Nou now nearing completion.

For weeks, it appeared as though Real Madrid looked destined to land Rodri. Following his excellent performances leading Spain to World Cup glory, Madrid president Florentino Perez supposedly prioritised the former Villarreal and Atletico Madrid star as the missing piece in Los Blancos' midfield.

Despite reaching an initial verbal agreement on personal terms, transfer talks between Madrid and Man City have broken down. The Spanish club were unwilling to meet City's £80 million asking price given he turns 31 next summer and is entering the final year of his contract.

City's refusal to lower their demands stalled progress, leaving the door open for a late intervention. Rodri is reportedly open to the idea of joining Barcelona instead of Madrid, which will no doubt leave Man City chiefs pleased given the previous breakdown in talks that would have cost them up to £80m.

Barcelona are keen to bolster their central midfield options after a long-term injury to Frenkie de Jong, too. With Los Cules guaranteeing a key tactical role alongside up-and-coming pair Pau Cubarsi and Lamine Yamal, Rodri has reportedly agreed to make the switch to Catalonia rather than Madrid.

A successful hijack would represent a statement of intent for Barcelona ahead of the 2026/27 season. The LaLiga champions' transfer decision could see them land one of the world's best defensive midfielders, in addition to doing so from under the noses of their closest rivals.

For Real Madrid, losing out on their top transfer target to Barcelona would be a bitter pill to swallow, but does free up resources and strengthen their negotiating positions elsewhere.

League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 2nd in Premier League, 78 pts, 23W-9D-6L from 38 games, recent form LDWWD.