Thibaut Courtois believes Rodri missed a major opportunity by choosing to join Barcelona over Real Madrid. However, the Los Blancos goalkeeper went on to say that every transfer target decides which club they want to play for.
Courtois sent a clear message to Rodri during the half-time interview in the game between Los Blancos and Espanyol. He told Diario AS (via Barca Universal):
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“Well, everyone decides what they want to do. If he chose another club, it’s his loss.”
Rodri was one of Los Blancos’ transfer targets in the ongoing summer transfer window. The 15-time UEFA Champions League champions were likewise the odds-on favorites to sign the midfielder.
However, Barcelona joined the race for the player’s signature and signed him from Manchester City for €76 million ahead of Real Madrid. The midfielder’s decision seems to have upset the Los Blancos camp, as only a few players have turned down the opportunity to join the European giants.
Meanwhile, Rodri’s signing would have strengthened Jose Mourinho’s midfield. His presence would also have provided the balance missing since the departures of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric.
However, Real Madrid’s midfield remains solid as they are expected to overcome numerous hurdles in the ongoing 2026-27 term. On the other hand, Hansi Flick’s midfield would profit from Rodri’s defensive quality and ability to stabilize the midfield and distribute the ball.
“He had doubts” – Jose Mourinho reveals why Real Madrid failed to sign Rodri ahead of Barcelona
Jose Mourinho has revealed that Rodri’s hesitation to join Los Blancos led them to walk away from the deal. He added that the midfielder’s uncertainty made him doubt the decision to fight for his signing afterwards.
Mourinho revealed that Los Blancos offered the former Manchester City midfielder a decent contract during the negotiation. He told El Chiringuito (via GOAL):
“I spoke to him twice, and Real Madrid made him a very good offer. Rodri had doubts, he hesitated, and Rodri’s doubts raised doubts in me. He is an exceptional player and was very respectful towards us. I have nothing negative to say, but Real Madrid have such stature that they cannot have players who ask themselves questions.”
Rodri signed a four-year deal at the Camp Nou after agreeing to join La Blaugrana. The midfielder is likewise expected to stabilize the defensive side of Hansi Flick’s midfield this season.
Edited by Abel Yisa