Jose Mourinho has revealed the exact reason why Real Madrid pulled out of the race to sign Rodri this summer. The Ballon d'Or winner recently completed a blockbuster move to arch-rivals Barcelona, but the Portuguese manager insists he has absolutely no regrets over missing out.
New details have emerged regarding the intense transfer battle for Rodri, revealing that Real Madrid attempted to land the Manchester City superstar with a surprisingly low financial package. While the Ballon d'Or winner has now been officially unveiled at the Spotify Camp Nou, the 15-time European champions were reportedly well off the pace with their valuation of the Spanish anchor.
Rodrigo Hernández has officially been presented as a Barcelona player and opened up about his decision to join the Catalan giants. The Spanish midfielder, who signed a contract until 2030 after leaving Manchester City, admitted he had another major offer from Real Madrid on the table, but insisted that moving to the Spotify Camp Nou was always his absolute priority this summer.
For some football fans, the summer is the part of the calendar that they look forward to the most - and that's not just because it's filled by a World Cup every four years! Rather, it's because the end of the season means only one thing: It's time for transfers! The 2026 window is once again proving to be busy, with some huge names making big-money moves before deadline day on September 1.
Rodri is just one step away completed a sensational summer move to Barcelona after turning down a potential switch to Real Madrid. A pivotal conversation with former Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola ultimately convinced the Spain midfielder that the Catalan club was the ideal destination for his playing style.
Manchester City midfielder Rodri is closing in on a sensational return to La Liga, but he won't be wearing the white of Real Madrid as many expected. The Spanish international has instead opted for a blockbuster move to Barcelona, leaving Jose Mourinho to rue a series of strategic errors.