Manchester City midfielder Rodri favours Barcelona over Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid readying offer for Cristian Romero - Euro Transfer News
Published 06/08/2026 at 17:14 GMT+1
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A round up of the biggest transfer stories on the continent, including a report from France claiming Manchester City and Spain star Rodri prefers a move to Barcelona over Real Madrid. Meanwhile, a Spanish outlet claims Atletico Madrid are ready to make a move for Tottenham Hotspur's Cristian Romero.
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Rodri prefers Barca to Real Madrid
The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner has entered the final 12 months of his Manchester City contract and spoke in April of his wish to one day return to his native Spain and play in La Liga.
And it has now been claimed Rodri wants to join reigning La Liga champions Barcelona, where he would be reunited with a spate of international team-mates, including Pau Cubarsi, Pedri, Ferran Torres and Lamine Yamal.
The RMC Sport report reads: ”While his name had primarily been linked to Real Madrid in recent weeks, Rodri has ultimately chosen Barca.
”The Catalan club entered the race for the Spanish midfielder, who was recently crowned world champion with Spain. Manchester City might agree to let him leave if the offer is right."
The report adds: ”The Madrid club has been informed of the 30-year-old midfielder's decision and his desire to join Barcelona. Manchester City has also been notified, paving the way for negotiations between the two clubs.”
Atletico Madrid raise funds for Romero move
As per Spanish outlet Marca, Atletico Madrid have raised sufficient funds to make a move for Tottenham Hotspur skipper Cristian Romero.
The publication states that the impending departures of Thiago Almada to River Plate, Matteo Ruggeri to Aston Villa and Nahuel Molina to AS Roma should pave the way for Romero’s arrival.
Marca’s report states: ”River Plate went all out and secured a deal with Atletico Madrid for [Almada’s] transfer for around €20 million (£17m).
”Thus, combined with the initial €18 million (£15m) that Ruggeri will bring into the club's coffers and the €19 million (£16m) overall that Roma will pay for Molina, Atletico has secured the necessary income and salary cap space to complete the signing of Cuti Romero.
”Therefore, they have already prepared their initial €30 million (£25m) offer to Tottenham for the services of a centre-back who eagerly awaits the completion of his transfer.”
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Cristian Romero of Argentina looks dejected after losing the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final match between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19, 2026 in East Rutherford, United States.
Image credit: Getty Images
Zirkzee to Juventus
According to Italy’s La Gazzetta dello Sport, Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee is nearing a move to Juventus on loan.
The former Bologna striker has registered just nine goals and four assists across the two years at Old Trafford and looks on course for a Serie A return.
La Gazzetta dello Sport said: ”[Zirkzee’s] nostalgia for Italy is growing, and the idea of starting over at Juventus is quite appealing to the Bayern Munich alumnus, who in recent days has already expressed his availability to the Bianconeri in principle.
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”The Dutch striker's openness has been joined in the last few hours by Manchester United.
”It's not yet time for a sale at Old Trafford, but there's a willingness to sit down with Juventus executives to evaluate the former Bologna player's loan.
”The deal will hinge on the details - a loan with a mandatory, conditional, or free transfer would make all the difference to the Old Lady's balance sheet - but optimism is growing at Continassa.”
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