Rodri turns around: chooses Barcelona after weeks waiting for Madrid

A major twist in the market: Rodri has finally given his approval to join FC Barcelona after weeks as the favorite to join Real Madrid, according to L'Équipe.

Frenkie de Jong's long-term injury and Madrid's sluggish pace in closing the World Cup-winning Spanish midfielder have accelerated contact. Deco, Barcelona's sporting director, was in Madrid when negotiations with the player's camp resumed. Thursday afternoon saw the Manchester City captain give the green light to the blaugrana project, encouraged by several of his Spanish national team teammates.

Now Manchester City and Barcelona must finalize the numbers. Various sources point to a deal around €60 million to complete the transfer of one of world football's biggest stars.