Why Rodri’s move might be a big problem for Man Utd’s summer transfer plans
Rodri’s transfer plans are causing a big shake-up for Manchester United’s summer transfer goals. The Manchester City midfielder has been linked with a move to Real Madrid all summer since he’s in the last year of his contract.
People thought Rodri was going to be a key part of Jose Mourinho’s midfield, which would have meant a return to the city where he was born. But things changed suddenly on Thursday when Real Madrid’s big rivals, Barcelona, jumped into the race to sign him.
According to AS, Rodri has now made up his mind to move to Barcelona and has told Real Madrid’s bosses that he no longer wants to join them. Earlier reports said City and Real Madrid were arguing about the price—City wanted €75 million, but Real didn’t want to pay more than €50 million. Now, AS says Barcelona has agreed to pay €60 million, and Rodri is set to get a huge salary.
This news will affect United’s transfer plans. One of Michael Carrick’s main targets depends on a deal between Real Madrid and Mourinho. Manchester United has been trying to sign French midfielder Tchouameni all summer but faced resistance from Real Madrid. The Sun reported that Real might be open to selling Tchouameni if they can complete the Rodri deal.
Because of this, United might need to find other options for their third midfield signing this summer. They’ve already brought in Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans from Chelsea and Aston Villa for over £70 million combined, but they still need to fill gaps caused by players leaving and injuries.
Casemiro left United on a free transfer to join Inter Miami, and Manuel Ugarte got a serious ACL injury while playing for Uruguay in the World Cup. FIFA is reportedly covering 80% of Ugarte’s wages to help United through their Club Protection Programme, which supports clubs when players get seriously injured on international duty.
Besides midfield changes, United has also signed goalkeeper Karl Darlow on a free transfer after his Leeds contract expired, and young winger Tynan Thompson from Tottenham Hotspur’s academy.