Rodri has reportedly decided that if he is to move on from Manchester City, he'd prefer to head to Barcelona. This decision is partly because joining Real Madrid would be a 'betrayal' to his former side, Atletico Madrid. Both Barcelona and Real Madrid are closely monitoring his situation, but Rodri feels his style of play fits better with Barcelona's system under Hansi Flick.

Barcelona's sporting director, Deco, made a controversial proposal to Manchester City, suggesting a swap deal that would see Rodri, a 28-year-old midfielder highly regarded in his position, move to Barcelona in exchange for Ilkay Gündogan. Manchester City promptly turned down the offer, as they are unwilling to lose one of their key players. Furthermore, there are questions about how Barcelona, still grappling with financial issues, would cover the difference in value.

Barcelona's sporting director Deco proposed a player exchange deal to Manchester City, where Ilkay Gündogan would return to Manchester City, and Rodri would move to Barcelona. However, Manchester City immediately rejected this proposal, which angered them to the point that they demanded Barcelona pay the remaining debt from Ferran Torres' transfer by August 31, or face legal action.