The confetti from Spain’s FIFA World Cup triumph had barely settled this summer when speculation emerged that Golden Ball winner Rodri was expected to leave Manchester City for Real Madrid .
The Spain captain had even described a move to the Santiago Bernabéu as a “dream move”.
By late July, rumours surrounding Rodri’s move to Madrid were gathering pace. There was a growing confidence within the Madrid camp that the transfer would eventually happen. A few minutes after Rodri arrived, Barcelona sporting director Deco joined him.
Real Madrid considered his arrival almost a done deal, despite the club having not yet established contact with Manchester City, according to sources who spoke to The Athletic.
“When you receive offers, the first step was to realise that a chapter had come to an end at my club and that I should then look for a move to take the next step in my career,” Rodri said after signing.
