{
  "id": 1329264,
  "title": "Is Rodri going to Barcelona? How Man City star's proposed Real Madrid transfer has taken shocking twist",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/16/is-rodri-going-to-barcelona-how-man-city-stars-proposed-real-madrid",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-16T18:56:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/rodri-going-barcelona-man-city-172704069.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Rodri, the Manchester City midfielder, is reportedly set to join Barcelona rather than Real Madrid, according to recent reports. The transfer saga took a surprising turn after Rodri's impressive performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he won the Golden Ball. Real Madrid was initially interested in signing the Spain star, hoping to capitalize on his return to prominence and his desire to return to his home country. However, Barcelona has now made a move to secure his services. Multiple sources, including The Athletic, Sky Sports, and AS, claim that Barcelona is exploring a deal for Rodri and that the player prefers to join the Catalan club. Barcelona is reportedly offering €65 million for the 30-year-old midfielder, plus add-ons. The move could be a result of Barcelona's improved financial situation and the club's interest in a more complete team under Hansi Flick. Real Madrid's pursuit of Rodri seems to have come to an end, as the club has reportedly ended talks with Manchester City over the midfielder.",
  "summary": "The rivalry between Real Madrid and Barcelona may be fierce on the field, but the battle between the Clasico foes now extends to signing Spain's best midfielder.",
  "key_points": [
    "Rodri set to join Barcelona, not Real Madrid.",
    "Barcelona offers €65 million for the 30-year-old midfielder.",
    "Rodri's Golden Ball win at 2026 FIFA World Cup influenced transfer."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}