Barcelona’s summer business has already transformed the look of Hansi Flick’s squad.
The arrivals of Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi have strengthened the club’s attacking options, giving the German coach greater depth and variety ahead of a season in which Barcelona will be challenging on multiple fronts.
Attention has now started shifting away from the frontline, though, with the club’s hierarchy assessing whether further reinforcements are required elsewhere.
Midfield has become an area of particular focus following Frenkie de Jong’s injury, leaving Barcelona searching for greater control in the centre of the pitch.
That search has now led them towards one of the biggest names in world football.
According to Oriol Domenech on Catalunya Radio, Barcelona have made initial contact with Rodri’s representatives as they begin exploring the possibility of signing the Manchester City midfielder.
The approach does not mean negotiations are underway, but it does represent the club’s first move to better understand the Spain international’s contractual situation and whether a future transfer could be realistic.
Making contact with a player’s camp is often the first step before deciding whether to pursue a deal more aggressively.
Barcelona believe Rodri possesses the qualities they are currently missing.
The Spanish midfielder is widely regarded as one of the game’s elite holding midfielders thanks to his ability to dictate possession, shield the back line and maintain composure when matches become stretched.
With De Jong unavailable, Barcelona see Rodri as someone capable of restoring authority in midfield while fitting naturally into the club’s possession-based philosophy.
His calmness under pressure and ability to control the tempo are viewed as attributes that could significantly strengthen Flick’s side.
Barcelona are not the only Spanish giant monitoring the situation, however.
Rodri has also been linked with Real Madrid, making the Catalan club’s early contact with his representatives even more noteworthy as they attempt to position themselves should an opportunity arise later in the market.
Whether Barcelona decide to progress beyond these initial discussions remains to be seen, but their interest in one of world football’s premier midfielders is now firmly established.
📌 El Barça sondeja Rodri@orioldomenech https://t.co/AByWjMnrQV pic.twitter.com/FEdgSXvwFO
— Tot costa (@totcosta) July 27, 2026
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