Aiming to strengthen their central defense during the winter transfer window without a large financial outlay, FC Barcelona's sporting management, including Deco, sent an emissary to Buenos Aires. The scout's objective was to attend the Argentina-Uruguay match at the Bombonera and observe two defensive targets, one of whom was Juan Rodríguez. The 21-year-old Uruguayan international, a left-footed central defender from Cagliari, is valued at around 15 million euros after a notable start to the Serie A season. However, the Barcelona representative could not watch him play, as Rodríguez—who has two caps for his country—remained on the bench for Uruguay throughout the match after coach Diego Forlán opted to keep his starting central defense. Rodríguez joined Cagliari in September 2025 and is under contract until June 2030. Bologna has also been linked with the defender.