Transfer News: Rodri flies back to Manchester amid intensified Barcelona rumours
By Luke Oluoch, August 14, 2026Reports linking Manchester midfielder Rodri with a return to La Liga seemed to be temporarily on hold, with the midfielder pictured travelling back to England.
There has been speculation over the World Cup-winning Spain captain, with Real Madrid and Barcelona all in for his signature ahead of the new season.
The midfielder was, however, seen boarding a flight back to Liverpool from Madrid on Thursday, August 13, 2026, after his extended break from the 2026 World Cup, putting to bed any move for the time being.
The Spaniard links to La Liga were first surfaced on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, as Real Madrid opened negotiations with a verbal discussion between clubs and City after President Florentino Pérez approved the deal.
Los Blancos triggered their long-term interest in signing the 30-year-old to add to the array of stars arriving at the club ahead of Jose Mourinho’s second return and were understood to have upped their chase after Paris Saint-Germain dropped interest to pursue a move for the veteran enforcer.
Days later on Thursday, August 6, 2026, the star midfielder opened the door for a move to Barcelona, revealing the club as his preferred destination, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Adamant City
The revelations prompted Barcelona to act on the pronouncement, only for their Ksh5.7 bid to be rejected by City.
City has also turned down a similar bid from the Catalan club on August 2, 2026, with the club demanding their valuation of Ksh8.8B to be met by any suitor.
The 30-year-old enters the final year of his contract at Etihad Stadium and is yet to sign a new deal. City remains determined to keep their World Cup winner and has stated that they want him to sign new terms amid interest from Spain.
Rodri’s situation could also trigger movement elsewhere in the transfer market. Reports suggest Real Madrid’s plans regarding midfielders Aurélien Tchouaméni and Eduardo Camavinga may depend on whether they succeed in bringing Rodri to the Santiago Bernabéu. Both French internationals have previously attracted interest from several Premier League clubs.
Meanwhile, the Cityzens appear keen to replace the player with Enzo Fernández of Chelsea in the event he leaves.