FC Barcelona sporting director Deco admitted during a recent interview that bringing midfielder Rodri to Camp Nou was an operation the Catalan club never initially imagined possible. Speaking candidly about the transfer market with RAC-1, the Blaugrana executive revealed how a shift in Manchester City’s stance opened the door for a deal that reshaped Barça’s midfield plans.
An Unthinkable Opening at Camp Nou
The surprise operation unfolded after club officials caught wind that the Spain international might seek a departure from the Premier League champions.
Testing Resolve in Manchester
With just one year remaining on his contract at the time, leadership in Catalonia anticipated that Manchester City would secure the player’s long-term future through an extension.
Everything changed when whispers of an unexpected exit reached the Camp Nou hierarchy.
Sensing an opening, Deco reached out directly to Manchester City director Hugo Viana to verify the situation. Viana acknowledged that while an extension offer remained on the table, the Premier League club would ultimately be powerless to keep the midfielder if another concrete proposal arrived from elsewhere.
Green Light From the Coaching Staff
Armed with that intelligence, Deco brought the possibility to the coaching staff, who immediately greenlit the pursuit.
Barcelona then initiated contact with the player’s representatives to lay the groundwork for the high-profile transfer. When asked about potential interest from Real Madrid, Deco remarked that any discussion regarding rival pursuit should be directed to the player himself.
Addressing the De Jong Situation
The arrival of Rodri provides a timely boost for Barcelona, particularly as the squad manages the absence of injured midfielder Frenkie de Jong.
Addressing lingering questions surrounding the Dutch international’s medical situation during the RAC-1 interview, Deco maintained a firm boundary regarding private health matters. He noted that medical issues remain personal to the player, explaining that athletes occasionally consult outside specialists and that De Jong had spoken with trusted confidants when dealing with his recent injury setback.
Deco also dismissed suggestions that Rodri’s arrival carried any hidden meaning regarding De Jong’s fitness timeline, noting that the Dutchman had been sidelined for a significant three-to-four-month period and that the new signing’s integration was independent of existing medical rehabilitation.
A Marquee Acquisition for the Stretch Run
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