India, Aug. 19 -- The confetti from Spain's FIFA World Cup triumph had barely settled this summer when speculation emerged that Golden Ball winner Rodri was expected to leave Manchester City for Real Madrid. The Spain captain had even described a move to the Santiago Bernabeu as a "dream move".

But plenty changed in the weeks that followed. Almost two months after Spain beat Argentina in New Jersey, Rodri officially signed for a new Spanish club - but it was not Real Madrid.

Barcelona beat their arch-rivals to secure the midfielder's signing from Manchester City in a deal that could be worth up to €76.5 million (£65.3 million; $87.8 million) including add-ons.

By late July, rumours surrounding Rodri's move to Madrid were gat...