Transfer Rumour Unconfirmed · Early speculationMirror FootballUnverified source· 19 Aug 2026
Mourinho dismisses Rodri transfer as a victory for Barcelona
Mourinho insists titles, not signings, define victories after Rodri's move to Barcelona.
Rodri
player
Player
Rodri
Position
Midfielder
From
Manchester City
To
Barcelona
Fee
£65million
What happened. Rodri completed a £65million move from Manchester City to Barcelona, having been linked with Real Madrid earlier in the summer.
- Mourinho said victories happen on the pitch, not in the transfer market.
- Real Madrid made Rodri a very good offer, but he had doubts.
- Mourinho spoke with Rodri a couple of times about the move.
“Victories happen on the field; they’re the titles. That’s where the victories are.”
— Jose Mourinho
Rodri's move is confirmed, but the rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid continues off the pitch.
In this story
José Mourinho
Real Madrid
BarcelonaMore to read
Mirror Football
Rodri opens up on Jose Mourinho phone call after Barcelona ace rejected Real Madrid
The Guardian
‘He doubted’: Mourinho says Real Madrid didn’t want Rodri after hesitation over move
Daily Mail Football
Revealed: The mistakes Real Madrid made to cause Rodri to snub his 'dream' move to their 'ticking time bomb' and join Barcelona for £64.5m instead
