Report: Real Madrid Frustration Grows Over Rodri After Barcelona Move
The short version
- Rodri joined Barcelona after Real Madrid pursued him, with Jose Mourinho trying to convince him to sign.
- Barcelona lead Real Madrid by six points heading into the first international break.
- Real Madrid signed Bernardo Silva, whose profile differs from the deep-lying midfielder role the club sought.
- Rodri has become a midfield reference for Hansi Flick alongside Pedri.
Real Madrid reportedly regret missing out on Rodri, who has become a key figure in Barcelona's strong start under Hansi Flick.
Real Madrid's failure to sign Spain midfielder Rodri is causing frustration at the club, according to a report in Mundo Deportivo. The player joined Barcelona instead and has quickly become an important part of Hansi Flick's midfield alongside Pedri, contributing control, defensive cover and quality in build-up play.
Barcelona have opened a six-point advantage over Real Madrid heading into the first international break of the season. The report suggests the disappointment in Madrid goes beyond losing Rodri to a direct rival, arguing his arrival has highlighted the type of midfielder the club has lacked since Toni Kroos and Luka Modric departed.
Real Madrid had initial reservations about pursuing Rodri, partly because Enrique Riquelme, who ran against Florentino Perez in the presidential elections, had championed the player. Perez nonetheless approved a pursuit, and manager Jose Mourinho attempted to convince Rodri to join. Rodri appreciated the approach and personally contacted Mourinho to inform him of his decision after choosing Barcelona.
Rather than signing another deep-lying controller after missing out, Real Madrid turned to Bernardo Silva, whose profile differs from what the club had been seeking. Arda Guler is seen as fitting a similar attacking-midfield mold, leaving the debate open over whether Madrid replaced the right kind of midfielder.