Key Winners and Losers from Rodri’s Move to Barcelona

Barcelona, fresh off consecutive La Liga championships, secured the signature of one of the world's top defensive midfielders, Rodri, locking him in for four years. Despite having a strong midfield lineup already, the club clearly saw the chance to add the 2026 World Cup Golden Ball winner as irresistible.

This signing boosts what many consider Spain’s best midfield, adding new firepower to a squad that claimed five titles over the last two seasons. Still, not everyone at the club will welcome this arrival with open arms.

Winners

• Pau Cubarsí: The young center back shared a fruitful partnership with Rodri during Spain’s 2026 World Cup run, where they helped concede just one goal in eight games. Cubarsí, who earned Young Player of the Tournament honors, often relied on Rodri's defensive presence in front of the backline. Now at Barcelona, Cubarsí can expect similar support, especially when navigating Hansi Flick’s aggressive high defensive line.
• Pedri: Barcelona’s tempo-setter and standout midfielder had a dip in form late last season and at the World Cup, partly due to fatigue after heavy playing time. With Rodri now in midfield, Pedri gains a stable partner who allows him more freedom to roam. Their chemistry was tested this summer, promising mutual improvement moving forward.
• Hansi Flick: The Barcelona coach finally got the top-tier defensive midfielder he sought. Flick has guided a youthful team to multiple domestic trophies despite financial limits, but Champions League glory remains elusive. Rodri brings experience, leadership, and familiarity with the league and teammates, fitting perfectly into Flick’s vision and easing transitions left by departing veterans.

Losers

• Frenkie de Jong: An injury-hit summer has made things worse for de Jong. After an early World Cup exit and a knee injury, he returns to find Rodri likely taking his role alongside Pedri in midfield. De Jong was already competing for minutes last season; now his chances look slimmer while sidelined.
• Gavi: Since returning from an ACL injury, Gavi had been building momentum and earning starts in midfield. But Rodri’s arrival pushes him down the pecking order, forcing him to battle for regular minutes. Flick values Gavi and will try to give him game time, but mostly in less critical matches or cup competitions.
• Real Madrid: The Spanish giants missed out on Rodri after leading the race to sign him. Born in Madrid and once linked to them, Rodri’s choice leaves Real searching for midfield stability following Toni Kroos’s departure. Their only notable addition this summer is Bernardo Silva, whose presence might not be enough to fix ongoing midfield troubles, leaving their title ambitions uncertain.