In recent hours, UOL Esporte has raised alarms by claiming that FC Barcelona has contacted Rodrygo Goes in pursuit of signing him.
However, those close to the Barça environment have quickly replied to the Brazilian media's report. The message has been clear: Barça hasn't made any move for Rodrygo. It hasn't done so, and it won't.
An impossible signing in every sense
The information doesn't hold up from any point of view. To begin with, Real Madrid would never sell a player like Rodrygo to Barça.
Its idea is to transfer him to any foreign club that puts an offer of around €100 million ($100 million) on the table.
However, if Barça were to approach for negotiations, the response would be immediate: €1 billion ($1 billion) release clause.
Florentino doesn't consider any other option. The Rodrygo case has no future. He is a footballer who is protected and shielded by the white club.
The last thing they'd allow in Chamartín would be to strengthen the eternal rival, at a bargain price.
Flick has other priorities
Moreover, at Barça, they don't understand the insistence on linking Rodrygo with Hansi Flick's project. The German coach has very clear plans for the attack. The Brazilian doesn't fit there.
The arrival of Marcus Rashford, finalized today, solves the needs the coach had for the left winger. The Englishman arrives on loan, with a non-mandatory purchase option, and earning a much more manageable salary than other players on the market.
Additionally, Rashford is cheaper than Rodrygo, whose salary is higher than the Englishman's.
At Barça, they appreciate Rashford's commitment, who has even agreed to start as Lamine Yamal's substitute and compete for minutes with Raphinha. The squad already has the position covered and Flick considers it sufficient.
Rodrygo isn't on the list
Both Deco and Laporta rule out any attempt for Rodrygo. Not only because of the cost the operation would entail, but also due to a matter of playing style.
The Brazilian is a quality footballer, but he doesn't fit the profile Flick is looking for in his attack. His name doesn't appear on Barça's agenda. It never has.
Neither Rodrygo, nor Real Madrid, nor Barça itself consider this option. From the blaugrana club, they even express annoyance at the media noise caused by an unfounded leak.
Barça denies and closes the matter
Everything published so far doesn't correspond to any reality. The blaugrana sporting management is already working on other fronts, much more realistic and viable.
Rodrygo isn't one of them. He never will be.