Barcelona’s pursuit of Manchester City’s influential Spanish midfielder, Rodri, has entered its critical final phase following intensive discussions between the two European powerhouses. Direct negotiations have accelerated rapidly in recent days, with sources close to both camps indicating that a final agreement is closer now than at any prior stage of the summer transfer window.
According to reports in the Spanish sports daily Marca, formal negotiations began last week after Rodri privately communicated his preference to join Barcelona, effectively turning down interest from Real Madrid. While Manchester City had been eager to tie the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner down to a new long-term deal, the Premier League champions are willing to respect the player’s desire for a new challenge. However, the English club established a firm financial boundary from the outset, insisting they would not allow their key midfielder to depart below valuation. City originally set an asking price of at least 80 million euros for the Spaniard.
The initial stages of bidding saw a significant valuation gap between the two sides. Barcelona opened discussions with an initial offer of around 50 million euros, which Manchester City rejected immediately. The Catalan club followed up with an improved second bid of approximately 60 million euros, but Premier League executives remained steadfast in holding out for a figure closer to their original valuation.
A breakthrough emerged following Barcelona’s third official proposal. Marca reports that this latest offer totals roughly 70 million euros including performance-related add-ons. With the revised package drawing near to City’s baseline demands, the probability of completing the transaction has risen substantially. Insiders believe that while formal documentation remains to be completed, an official announcement is now largely a matter of timing.
In the meantime, Rodri has reported back to Manchester and resumed duties at the club’s training facility. While he has not yet joined full team sessions, he has been undertaking tailored recovery work as part of his ongoing rehabilitation programme following a taxing season.
The midfielder also held a face-to-face meeting with Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca upon his return. Asked by reporters about the Spaniard’s potential exit before the transfer deadline, Maresca kept his response brief, stating simply that “anything can happen.”
With only two weeks remaining before the transfer window shuts, pressure is mounting on Barcelona’s recruitment hierarchy. Sporting director Deco is managing a packed agenda, where sealing Rodri’s signature remains the top operational priority. Simultaneously, the Catalan club is exploring a move for Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez, working to secure full-back Joao Cancelo on a permanent basis, and considering prospective offers for young midfielder Marc Casado.
