There were high waves in the Spanish media when the Manchester City star and the world’s best footballer chose Barcelona, over Real Madrid. – The rumour was that the bosses at Camp Nou wanted to block Real Madrid as the transfer came “out of the blue”
– the sporting director reveals: We didn’t sign him to stop Real Madrid
Barcelona’s sporting director Deco has broken his silence on the club’s sensational signing of Rodri – and denies that the transfer was about blocking Real Madrid.
Read: 10 things about Rodri
Rodri was presented at Camp Nou on Wednesday night, after signing from Manchester City for £65 million. The transfer has caused a stir – not least because the Spaniard was heavily linked with Real Madrid earlier this summer.
Read: New door opens for Alexander Sørloth
But according to Deco, it was never a goal to prevent the arch-rival from securing the midfield star:
“Initially, he was not in our plans because we thought he was not available,” Deco told TV3.
“We didn’t sign him to take a player from Madrid. That would be a mistake. He is one of the world’s best midfielders. We are sure that he can contribute, and therefore it makes sense.
Rodri: “Improves the team”
Deco emphasized that Rodri represented an “opportunity” – and that they seized it.
“We are happy with all the signings. Each one has a purpose. Before we sign any, we discuss thoroughly. Everything has one goal: to improve the team. Rodri improves on that.
The 30-year-old received the warmest reception of all players when he was presented in front of the Barcelona crowd before the Joan Gamper Trophy match on Wednesday.
The search for Lewandowski’s replacement
While Rodri is in place, Barcelona’s next big task is to replace Robert Lewandowski – who left the club for the Chicago Fire in the summer. The Pole scored 119 goals in 191 appearances for Barca, winning La Liga three times and the Copa del Rey in 2025.
Deco admits that it will be a near impossible task:
“Two players have left – Ferran [Torres] and Robert. We can fill Ferran’s role with the new additions, but it is very difficult to replace Robert.
“Even if you find a good player, it’s difficult because he defined an era with us. We have internal solutions, but we will certainly make some moves.
Flick: “Rodri is a leader”
Hansi Flick was also full of praise for his new midfield general:
“Rodri showed in the World Championships that he was one of the best. He gives structure to the team, organizes the game well and can decide whether we should play faster or slower. He is a leader.
At the same time, he praised young Hamza Abdelkarim – the 18-year-old Egyptian who has scored four goals in the pre-season and netted against Al Ahly in the Joan Gamper Trophy.
“Hamza is a good striker. We can see it when he attacks crosses. He holds the ball well – that’s what I want to see from him.
What now?
Barcelona opens the La Liga season away to Elche on August 23. Before then, Deco and Flick will find the solution that can replace Lewandowski – and give the team the striker they need to defend their league title.
