Breaking! 30-year-old Ballon d'Or winner decides to join Barcelona, Real Madrid thwarted, Manchester City demands €80 million.

According to Barcelona's beat reporter Romero and Spanish outlet JijantesFC on August 6, Beijing time, the 30-year-old Ballon d'Or recipient Rodri has turned down Real Madrid in favor of Barcelona, convinced by Flick's vision. Barcelona is ready to make an official bid for the Golden Ball holder.

Earlier, Diario Sport reported that Flick had a phone conversation with Rodri, personally presenting the club's plan and trying to persuade him to prioritize Barcelona. Meanwhile, Spanish internationals like Yamal also briefed Rodri on the atmosphere in the Barcelona dressing room.

Previously, Rodri had been long linked with another La Liga giant, Real Madrid, after the World Cup. However, Barcelona suddenly stepped in and has a strong chance of hijacking the deal.

According to the latest report from Cope, Real Madrid had previously offered €40 million for Rodri, with a maximum willingness to reach €50 million, but Manchester City is demanding €80 million despite Rodri's contract having only one year left. Meanwhile, Barcelona had made an offer of around €60 million for Rodri at the start of the summer transfer window.

It is reported that Rodri's future will be decided before the 15th of this month. The new Premier League season kicks off on August 21, and before that, the Spanish star wants to confirm whether he will stay at Manchester City or leave.

In the recently concluded World Cup, the 30-year-old Rodri performed brilliantly, leading the Spanish men's national team as captain to win the World Cup for the second time, and he was awarded the World Cup Golden Ball for his outstanding performance.