Mourinho downplays missed Rodri signing as Real Madrid opens season

Real Madrid manager José Mourinho said the club does not need midfielder Rodri after the Spain captain completed a four-year transfer to Barcelona from Manchester City. In an interview with the Spanish TV programme *El Chiringuito*, Mourinho explained that Rodri’s own doubts about joining Los Blancos led the club to abandon its pursuit.

Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho fires shot at Barcelona, saying he 'didn’t need’ Rodri Rodri had doubts despite ‘important offer’ from Real Madrid – Jose Mourinho Al Jazeera (website)Mourinho Comments on Rodri's Barcelona Move: "Real Madrid Cannot Sign Hesitant Players" The GuardianJose Mourinho just 100 percent ended any Real Madrid regret over Barcelona signing Rodri Mirror - UKRodri to Barcelona: Jose Mourinho opens up on Real Madrid's failed move for Spain international

Rodri, the World Cup-winning captain of Spain, was linked with a move to Real Madrid during the summer transfer window. The Portuguese coach, returning for a second spell at the Bernabéu after being hired in June and taking charge in July, confirmed that Real Madrid made a “very good” offer and spoke with the player on several occasions. Barcelona ultimately secured the midfielder on a four-year deal, a transfer reported at roughly €75 million (£65.4 million).

Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho fires shot at Barcelona, saying he 'didn’t need’ Rodri Mourinho Comments on Rodri's Barcelona Move: "Real Madrid Cannot Sign Hesitant Players" The GuardianMirror - UKAl Jazeera (website)Rodri to Barcelona: Jose Mourinho opens up on Real Madrid's failed move for Spain international Rodri had doubts despite ‘important offer’ from Real Madrid – Jose Mourinho Jose Mourinho Reveals How Doubts Pushed Rodri to Choose Barcelona Over Real Madrid

Mourinho’s appointment follows two trophy-less seasons for Real Madrid, during which the club dismissed Xabi Alonso and Álvaro Arbeloa. In preparation for the 2026/27 campaign, Real Madrid completed six summer signings: Marc Cucurella, Ibrahima Konaté, Denzel Dumfries, Bernardo Silva, Yan Diomande and Carlos Espi.

Rodri to Barcelona: Jose Mourinho opens up on Real Madrid's failed move for Spain international

• Transfer fee for Rodri: reported €75 million (£65.4 million).

Rodri had doubts despite ‘important offer’ from Real Madrid – Jose Mourinho

• New signings for Real Madrid: Marc Cucurella, Ibrahima Konaté, Denzel Dumfries, Bernardo Silva, Yan Diomande, Carlos Espi.

ESPN

• Pre-season result: Real Madrid beat Schalke 04 3-0 on August 16.

Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho fires shot at Barcelona, saying he 'didn’t need’ Rodri

Mourinho emphasized that Real Madrid’s squad is already “complete” and that the club will not chase further midfield signings despite the market remaining open. He argued that a player who hesitates cannot thrive at a club of Real Madrid’s stature.

Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho fires shot at Barcelona, saying he 'didn’t need’ Rodri Al Jazeera (website)The GuardianMourinho Comments on Rodri's Barcelona Move: "Real Madrid Cannot Sign Hesitant Players" Rodri to Barcelona: Jose Mourinho opens up on Real Madrid's failed move for Spain international ESPNJose Mourinho just 100 percent ended any Real Madrid regret over Barcelona signing Rodri Rodri had doubts despite ‘important offer’ from Real Madrid – Jose Mourinho

Barcelona’s sporting director Hansi Flick praised Rodri as “a fantastic player” who will raise the level of every teammate, but no direct response to Mourinho’s comments was recorded in the supplied sources.

Mirror - UK

• “The club contacted him, but he had some doubts,” — Jose Mourinho, madrid head coach

Al Jazeera (website)

• “I spoke with [Rodri] a couple of times,” — Jose Mourinho, madrid head coach

ESPN

• “I spoke to him a couple of times and Real Madrid made him a very good offer,” — Jose Mourinho, madrid head coach

The Guardian

• “What I think happened is that his doubts have created doubts for me. He’s an extraordinary player and was very correct with us,” — Jose Mourinho, madrid head coach

Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho fires shot at Barcelona, saying he 'didn’t need’ Rodri

• “I spoke with him several times, and Real Madrid presented him with a very good offer. I believe there are excellent relations with Manchester City. The club contacted Rodri directly and made him an important offer, but he was hesitant, and this hesitation made me feel doubtful as well.” — Jose Mourinho, madrid head coach

Mourinho Comments on Rodri's Barcelona Move: "Real Madrid Cannot Sign Hesitant Players"

Real Madrid’s La Liga campaign begins with an away match against Espanyol on August 22, followed by a home fixture versus Real Sociedad on August 26. Mourinho’s squad will be tested early as the club seeks to reclaim domestic and European titles without the newly signed Rodri.

Al Jazeera (website)