Rodri's Move to Barcelona: Who Gains and Who Loses?

After securing back-to-back La Liga titles, Barcelona made a bold statement by signing Rodri, widely regarded as the best defensive midfielder globally. The Spaniard is now committed to the club until June 2030, reinforcing what many consider Spain’s strongest midfield lineup.

Though the defending champions had plenty of options in midfield, they couldn’t pass up on adding the 2026 World Cup Golden Ball winner. His arrival injects even more strength into a team that has already won five trophies over two seasons.

While this high-profile addition benefits Barcelona, not everyone in the squad will be thrilled about the new competition.

Winners

• Pau Cubarsí: The young center back shined alongside Rodri at the 2026 World Cup, where Spain conceded just one goal in eight matches. Rodri’s ability to break up plays before they reached Cubarsí gave the defender extra security. The 19-year-old, awarded Young Player of the Tournament, now gains that same support at Barcelona, especially important when operating within Flick’s risky high defensive line.
• Pedri: Known for setting Barcelona’s pace, Pedri saw his form dip late last season and at the World Cup, partly due to fatigue from heavy game time and changing midfield partners. With Rodri in the squad, Pedri gains stability and freedom to express his style, having already tested their chemistry during the summer.
• Hansi Flick: The manager finally secured a world-class No. 6 after working with budget limitations. Flick led the team to multiple domestic titles but lacked a key piece for Champions League glory. Rodri brings experience, leadership, and familiarity with La Liga and several teammates, fitting perfectly into Flick’s vision.

Losers

• Frenkie de Jong: De Jong’s summer worsened after an early World Cup exit and a serious knee injury. Now sidelined, he faces the challenge of losing his midfield spot to Rodri once he returns. Competition with Gavi was tough last season, but Rodri’s presence makes De Jong’s return to the starting XI uncertain.
• Gavi: Returning strong from an ACL injury, Gavi looked set to secure regular minutes due to De Jong’s absence. Rodri’s arrival, however, likely pushes him toward a bench role. Flick supports Gavi but may limit his playing time mostly to cup matches and less critical league games.
• Real Madrid: The club missed out on signing Rodri despite being favorites initially. The midfielder’s roots in Madrid and prior links made him an ideal replacement for Toni Kroos. Instead, Barcelona stole the deal. Real Madrid’s only midfield reinforcement this summer was Bernardo Silva, whose arrival probably won’t fix persistent midfield issues, leaving them vulnerable in their pursuit of Spanish dominance.