We didn't snatch Rodri from Real Madrid: Barcelona sporting director Deco

Deco said Barcelona did not snatch Rodri from Real Madrid after sealing the midfielder's signing from Manchester City. Rodri completed a move to Barca until 2030.Rodri has joined Barca until 2030 (Courtesy: Reuters)Barcelona's sporting director Deco has claimed that they didn't snatch Rodri from Real Madrid after making the Spain captain their new marquee signing. Barca have completed the signing of Rodri from Manchester City on August 18, bringing the World Cup 2026 Golden Ball winner to Camp Nou on a contract running until June 2030.Rodri is making the move as he enters the final season of his existing deal with City, and they acted quickly to land the midfielder. The 30-year-old joined Hansi Flick's squad after Barcelona agreed a reported fee of £65.4 million ($88.56 million) for his services.Real Madrid were in the race to sign Rodri right after the World Cup and even made an offer to the midfielder. However, once Barca came into the mix, Rodri decided to give them preference. Many felt that Barca had hijacked the deal but Deco said that wasn't the case.“We haven’t snatched him from Madrid,” said Deco, as quoted by Barca Universal. RODRI WASN'T PART OF OUR PLANSRodri joins a strong midfield that contains the likes of Gavi, Pedri, Fermin and Frenkie de Jong. Despite this, Barca decided to splash the cash on the Spain captain and bring him in.Deco admitted that initially, Rodri wasn't part of their plans but decided to pounce on the opportunity when it presented itself. “We’re pleased. Before signing him, we talked and discussed it at length."“At first it wasn’t part of our plans, but we saw that it was an opportunity. He’ll improve the team considerably.”There is still more speculation when it comes to the next move for Barca, especially in the striker position. They lost both Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres in the summer.Deco hinted that they will be making a big move for a forward before the window slams shut.“There’s a lot of speculation, but we’re going to make a move.”“We have options within the squad, but we have to keep looking,” said Deco.- EndsPublished On: Aug 20, 2026 16:45 IST