{
  "id": 2738308,
  "title": "Real Madrid custodian reacts to top midfield target joining Barcelona – “It’s his loss”",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/23/real-madrid-custodian-reacts-to-top-midfield-target-joining-barcelona",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-23T06:45:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/real-madrid-custodian-reacts-top-064500254.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois recently commented on the transfer of Rodri to Barcelona, expressing disappointment for the Spanish midfielder. The incident occurred just weeks after Rodri's controversial decision to join Barcelona instead of staying at Real Madrid, following his involvement in the 2024 Ballon d’Or saga. This move has further infuriated the club and its supporters. Despite the negative sentiment, Courtois showed respect for Rodri's choice, asserting that every player has the right to select the team they wish to represent. He acknowledged that Rodri's decision not to return to Real Madrid was unfortunate for him. The transfer saga left Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho disheartened, as he had been actively pursuing a new midfielder for the team. With the transfer window nearing its end, the club's options are dwindling. Other potential targets, such as Martin Zubimendi from Arsenal and Adam Wharton from Crystal Palace, have either high valuations or are set to stay with their respective clubs. This leaves Kees Smit as the sole remaining option for Real Madrid, should they decide to acquire a new midfielder this summer.",
  "summary": "In the matter of weeks, Rodri once again became a villain at Real Madrid by opting to reject a move to Bernabeu to join rival Barcelona.Rodri was already a controversial figure in Madrid after the 202...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Channel News Asia",
        "title": "Espi snatches last-gasp winner in Real Madrid LaLiga opener",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/22/espi-snatches-last-gasp-winner-in-real-madrid-laliga-opener",
        "published": "2026-08-22T21:55:38.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "Espi snatches last-gasp winner in Real Madrid LaLiga opener",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/22/espi-snatches-last-gasp-winner-in-real-madrid-laliga-opener-2664716",
        "published": "2026-08-22T22:20:48.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}