{
  "id": 1454042,
  "title": "New details emerge on Real Madrid’s pursuit of Rodri and why the transfer failed",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/17/new-details-emerge-on-real-madrids-pursuit-of-rodri-and-why-the",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-17T09:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/details-emerge-real-madrid-pursuit-090000329.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "New details have surfaced concerning Real Madrid's unsuccessful attempt to sign Manchester City midfielder Rodri. The pursuit, which lasted throughout the summer, ultimately led to Barcelona securing the Spanish player. According to MARCA, Florentino Perez and Jose Angel Sanchez directly contacted Rodri, but the transfer did not convince the player or the club.\n\nReal Madrid had internal doubts about whether Rodri was the perfect fit for their deep-lying playmaker role. They felt that he took too long to commit to the ball, which did not align with Jose Mourinho's playing style. Despite Rodri's admiration for Real Madrid and his dream of playing at the Santiago Bernabeu, the club was not entirely convinced that committing heavily to him was the right decision.\n\nThe absence of direct conversations between Rodri and Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho also played a role in the failed transfer. Mourinho, like several other target players, did not personally approach Rodri during the summer. This lack of personal connection may have left the player feeling less wanted by Real Madrid. In contrast, Barcelona demonstrated a strong sporting project that needed a player like Rodri, who would elevate their game to the next level.\n\nThe irony lies in the fact that Rodri always dreamed of playing for Real Madrid. However, the uncertainty within the club may have pushed him further away from Madrid rather than closer to the club. Barcelona, with its clear need for a player like Rodri, appears to have been the better fit, making this a story of what could have been between the two premier league clubs.",
  "summary": "It has been a while since Real Madrid closed the Rodri file once and for all after being linked with the Manchester City midfielder for much of the summer.Around 10 days ago, it emerged that Barcelona...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Mourinho has not requested Real Madrid to sign 27-year-old Arsenal star – report",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/17/mourinho-has-not-requested-real-madrid-to-sign-27-year-old-arsenal",
        "published": "2026-08-17T12:45:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}