The summer transfer window has seen a significant shift in the European midfield landscape, headlined by Rodri’s impending transfer to Barcelona. The reigning Ballon d’Or winner is set to complete a move from Manchester City for a fee of €60 million, a development that carries considerable ripple effects, particularly for Manchester United’s pursuit of Aurélien Tchouaméni.
Rodri, who had entered the final 12 months of his contract with Manchester City, had been persistently linked with Real Madrid throughout the summer. However, according to reports from AS, the Spanish international definitively informed Real Madrid’s management that he would not be joining them, opting instead for a switch to their fierce rivals. Barcelona has reportedly agreed to pay Manchester City €60 million, with Rodri set to sign a four-year contract worth close to €30 million gross per season.
Real Madrid’s missed opportunity and internal solutions
Real Madrid’s interest in Rodri was well-documented, with the player expected to become a vital part of Jose Mourinho’s midfield plans. However, a significant sticking point emerged over the transfer fee. Manchester City had reportedly demanded €75 million, while Real Madrid was unwilling to exceed €50 million. Rodri’s decision was reportedly influenced by Barcelona’s style of play, the legacy of Pep Guardiola, and a greater affinity for Catalan team players from national team interactions.
Real Madrid, despite their disappointment, understood and respected Rodri’s choice, noting he never fully conveyed conviction to join them. With Rodri now off the market, Real Madrid’s stance on their own midfield assets has hardened. The Sun had previously claimed that Real Madrid would have been willing to listen to offers for Aurélien Tchouaméni if a deal for Rodri had been agreed. Now, with Rodri heading to Barcelona, Real Madrid is far less inclined to part with Tchouaméni, effectively closing that door for interested clubs.
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Manchester United’s midfield conundrum
This turn of events leaves Manchester United in a difficult position. The Old Trafford club had identified France international Tchouaméni as a primary target for their third midfield signing of the summer. Having already invested over £70 million combined on Andrey Santos from Chelsea and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa, United’s midfield rebuild is ongoing.
The need for reinforcements became critical following Casemiro’s free transfer departure to Inter Miami, coupled with a serious anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury suffered by Manuel Ugarte while playing for Uruguay at the World Cup. FIFA is reportedly covering 80 per cent of Ugarte’s wages through their Club Protection Programme, but his absence still leaves a significant void. With Tchouaméni now seemingly unattainable, Manchester United will be forced to look elsewhere as they continue their search for midfield depth and quality.
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