Real Madrid president and manager furious, dressing room surprised after missing out on Barcelona-bound midfielder

According to El Periodico, Rodri’s decision to reject Real Madrid in favour of Barcelona was not well received by the club’s hierarchy.

The disappointment was particularly evident at the top, with both Florentino Perez and Jose Mourinho reportedly left deeply frustrated after seeing a deal they believed was within reach slip away.

According to the report, Florentino’s anger at missing out on the Spain captain matched Mourinho’s own frustration at losing a player he viewed as a major reinforcement for his squad, only to see him join Madrid’s biggest domestic rivals.

From rejected target to priority signing

Ironically, Rodri had not always been viewed as a priority target by the Real Madrid president.

At one stage, Florentino had little intention of pursuing the midfielder, particularly after Rodri’s name became linked to Enrique Riquelme’s presidential campaign during the club’s elections.

Perez initially had doubts about signing Rodri. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

However, both Jose Angel Sanchez and Juni Calafat continued to push for the move, insisting there was an agreement in place with the player and highlighting that an opportunity to sign him had existed well before the summer.

Rodri’s outstanding World Cup performances ultimately convinced the president to approve the operation.

Internal doubts remained

Despite that shift, there was still one influential voice inside the club urging caution. According to the report, Anas Laghrari, Perez’s close financial adviser, remained opposed to the transfer throughout the process.

His concerns centred on Rodri’s age, now 30, as well as the knee injury that had affected him in recent seasons. In the end, Florentino gave the green light, only to see the player choose Barcelona at the last moment.

The timing also proved particularly frustrating, with Rodri’s decision overshadowing both the arrival of Yan Diomande and the renewal of Vinicius Jr.

Mourinho left without his preferred reinforcement

Mourinho frustrated. (Photo by Christian Bruna/Getty Images)

If Florentino was disappointed, Mourinho was even more frustrated. The Portuguese coach is said to have struggled to believe the news when informed that Rodri had rejected Real Madrid’s offer and chosen Barcelona instead.

His frustration became clear during conversations with club executives, who also informed him that no further midfield signings are currently planned, as the club does not believe suitable options are available at the right price.

As things stand, Mourinho will have to rely on the midfielders already at his disposal.

Surprise inside the dressing room

The disappointment was not confined to the boardroom. The report suggest Real Madrid’s players had also expected Rodri to arrive this summer and were surprised to learn that not only had the move collapsed, but he now appeared destined to for.