It’s now become clear that Barcelona and not Real Madrid are the front-runners for Rodri’s signature, and it appears to only be a matter of time before a deal is done to bring the Spanish captain to Camp Nou.
There’s little doubting the 30-year-old’s quality, as he has long been the linchpin for Man City, though it can’t have escaped anyone that, perhaps, his signing is also about getting in a big name to appease Culers should Barca not follow through with their capture of Julian Alvarez.
It can’t
be said that there isn’t enough cover in the defensive midfield position at the club, and it wasn’t that long ago when Hansi Flick and others were talking in a way which suggested that Marc Bernal would begin to get more regular games there in order to hone his skill set.
Perhaps the fact that he’s still just 19 years of age and has plenty of time for growth has played a part in Flick’s thinking, and who better for Bernal to learn the ropes from than arguably the best DM in world football.
Simply put, Rodri is the finished article, and the qualities that he can bring both on and off the pitch will be of enormous benefit.
The most basic is that he’s a born winner and a born leader, and with Ronald Araujo heading to Liverpool on loan and Frenkie de Jong out for who knows how long, don’t be at all surprised to see Rodri being handed the armband as soon as he walks through the door.
With Marc Casado rumoured to be leaving, too, there is at least a little more room to accommodate Rodri, though when everyone is fit and raring to go in midfield, there is somewhat of an overbooking.
Looking at that aspect as a positive, however, it will give Flick the chance to genuinely rest Pedri, in particular, but also others, which has been an issue over the last couple of seasons when Barca are reaching the business end of competitions.
It shouldn’t be lost on anyone, either, how much stronger Rodri makes Barca and how much weaker Real will be. He will give the Blaugranes balance and security, and will allow the attacking players much more freedom, knowing that the 30-year-old is holding the fort behind them.
The only potential bone of contention could be a transfer fee well north of €60 million.
Whilst one accepts you get what you pay for, Rodri isn’t a young man any longer, even if he’s still at the peak of his powers.
If Deco can negotiate a good deal on the transfer fee, then there’s little to reproach the club for over this pursuit.
