A Real Madrid Player Didn’t Want the Club to Sign Rodri

On Tuesday evening, Rodri was officially unveiled as a new FC Barcelona player. The Spanish midfielder received a superstar welcome in Catalonia, where excitement is already growing around what promises to be one of the most impressive midfields in European football under Hansi Flick.

For Barcelona, the signing represents both a major sporting achievement and a significant media coup. The Catalan club managed to secure one of the best midfielders in the world despite strong interest from their biggest rival, Real Madrid. Rodri had been closely monitored by the Madrid club, which viewed him as an ideal profile to strengthen its midfield.

José Mourinho himself recently confirmed Real Madrid’s interest in the Spanish international, who was named MVP of the most recent World Cup. However, despite the club’s admiration for the player, the operation never materialized, allowing Barcelona to move decisively and complete one of the biggest transfers of the summer.

Bernardo Silva was reportedly not convinced by Rodri’s arrival

Behind the scenes, however, another detail may have played a role in Real Madrid’s approach to the deal.

According to journalist Quim Domenech, speaking on the Spanish television show El Chiringuito de Jugones, Bernardo Silva was not particularly enthusiastic about the possibility of Rodri joining Real Madrid.

The Portuguese midfielder, who recently became a Real Madrid player himself, knows Rodri very well. The two spent several seasons together at Manchester City, where they shared a dressing room and won numerous trophies.

Nevertheless, according to the journalist, their relationship was far from perfect. Bernardo Silva and Rodri reportedly did not always see eye to eye, and tensions between them became more noticeable toward the end of their time together in Manchester.

Their relationship was described as difficult, particularly during their final period as teammates at City. While there is no suggestion of a major public conflict between the two players, they reportedly did not enjoy the closest relationship off the pitch.

That situation could explain why Bernardo Silva was not especially favorable to the idea of reuniting with Rodri in Madrid.

🚨🗣️ Rodri: “Nobody in Manchester City likes Real Madrid, even during an El Classico game we usually support Barcelona, and when a player wants a move to Spain it’s always Barcelona we choose.

🗣️ “I can tell that a lot of staffs were disappointed in Bernardo Silva choice to… pic.twitter.com/Ce3oouCClE

— 443 (comentario) (@443sports_) August 20, 2026

Barcelona ultimately won the battle

In the end, Rodri chose Barcelona, giving Hansi Flick another world-class option in midfield and strengthening a squad already packed with technical quality.

From Barça’s perspective, the transfer is even more satisfying because Real Madrid had also been seriously interested in the player. Winning a transfer battle against their historic rivals always carries additional significance, especially when the player involved is considered one of the best in his position.

Rodri will now begin a new chapter at the Camp Nou, while Real Madrid will move forward with its own midfield options, including Bernardo Silva.

For the Portuguese star, Rodri’s decision to join Barcelona may therefore have avoided what could have been an uncomfortable reunion with a former Manchester City teammate with whom, according to reports, his relationship had become increasingly complicated.