Jorge Valdano believes Barcelona targeted Rodri because they were aware of the transformative impact he could have at Real Madrid.
The Spain captain is set to complete his move to Camp Nou this week after Manchester City accepted a third bid for Rodri last night which could reach £65.3m.
Rodri was previously linked with a move to Madrid before changing his mind and opting to join their arch rivals.
Barcelona’s interest came as a surprise and Valdano, who was Real Madrid’s sporting director between 2000 and 2005 and then general manager from 2009 to 2011, believes it is a tactical move aimed at preventing the 30-year-old from making a major impact at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The former Argentine striker told Movistar Plus Deportes: “For me, Rodri is worth 35 million euros to Barcelona for what he will contribute and 40 million euros to Real Madrid.
“It seems to me that it is a strategic signing for Barcelona.
“It will not affect the Barcelona match much, although it will put the stamp on everything Hansi Flick proposes.”
Rodri saves a strong blow from Mourinho’s Real Madrid
Rodri’s decision to reject a move to the capital is a major blow to Jose Mourinho as he looks to replace the midfield experience he has lost in recent seasons following the departures of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric.
Valdano admits that the former Atletico Madrid player would have had a huge impact.
He added: “At Real Madrid, he would have revolutionized the team and would have improved the entire club.”
“The passes to the strikers would have reached them sooner and he would have picked them better.
“Rodri is one of those players who doesn’t have a big impact on the goal, but on the whole match. That’s why he’s the best player in the world.”
Rodri replaces De Jong in Barcelona
Rodri will join a Barcelona squad full of players he played with when Spain won the World Cup this summer. His arrival at Camp Nou will be timely with Frenkie de Jong currently out.
De Jong suffered a partial cruciate ligament tear during the World Cup, with reports suggesting his preferred method of recovery – which includes rest and rehabilitation – clashes with the club’s approach which wants him to undergo surgery.
The Netherlands international is likely to be sidelined for several months, meaning Rodri will be key to Barcelona’s hopes Retaining the Spanish League title for the third year in a row.
Flick’s team opens its league campaign against Elche on Sunday.
