Real Madrid’s Rodrygo targeted by Barcelona: Is a bombshell transfer brewing? Fabrizio Romano offers game-changing two-word clarification

In a transfer window filled with twists and turns, few rumors sent shockwaves quite like the one linking Rodrygo to Barcelona. The Brazilian winger, long viewed as a jewel in Real Madrid’s attacking crown, suddenly found himself at the center of intense speculation about a potential switch to the club’s fiercest rival. But is there any truth to this bombshell development—or is it just another mirage in the heat of transfer season?

It all began when UOL Esporte, a reputable Brazilian outlet, reported that Barcelona had shown interest in signing Rodrygo Goes. According to the source, intermediaries were contacted to “inform them of its interest” in the player. Though no formal negotiations were said to be underway, the mere suggestion of such a move sparked outrage and fascination in equal measure.

The idea of the Brazilian crossing the Clasico divide revived memories of Luis Enrique’s infamous free transfer in 1996, as well as Figo’s shocking and contentious 2000 transfer from the Whites to Catalonia. Since then, no player has made a direct switch between the two eternal rivals. The historical weight of such a move, combined with Rodrygo’s recent frustrations at Madrid, made the rumors too juicy to ignore.

At 24, Rodrygo has endured a difficult 2024-25 campaign, marked by injury setbacks, tactical misfits, and diminished playing time. He featured in just three matches at the FIFA Club World Cup, accumulating only 95 minutes as Madrid fell short of the title. In La Liga, his form dipped as he logged just six goals and five assists, a far cry from the expectations placed on him.

With Kylian Mbappé’s arrival forcing a tactical reshuffle, Rodrygo has struggled to claim his preferred role on the left wing. Currently training with Real Madrid Castilla, the club’s reserve side, his status within the senior squad seems more uncertain than ever. Though he remains under contract until 2028, his market value—estimated around $110 million—is no longer untouchable.

Fabrizio Romano sets the record straight

Just as the Rodrygo-to-Barca rumor began to catch fire, Fabrizio Romano, the most trusted name in transfer journalism, stepped in to deliver a dose of reality. Speaking to DAZN, the Italian said bluntly: “There is nothing between Rodrygo and Barcelona.” He elaborated, “Barcelona know it’s impossible to negotiate with either Rodrygo or Real Madrid. It won’t happen, that is certain.”

He further dismissed the reports with a two-word clarification, as “completely false,” attributing their spread to social media speculation rather than any credible sourcing: “I don’t know where these Rodrygo rumors came from. I’ve seen them on social media too, but from everything I’ve been told, there’s absolutely nothing there.”