FP
Fakayejo Paul
FC Barcelona are pushing ahead with confidence to sign 30-year-old midfielder Rodri from Manchester City, preparing a revised proposal after their opening offer was knocked back.
The Spanish international—who captained Spain to the 2026 FIFA World Cup title and earned the tournament’s Golden Ball—has entered the final year of his contract at the Etihad Stadium.He has explicitly expressed his desire to join Hansi Flick’s side.
Negotiation Breakdown
While Barcelona remain calm following the initial rejection, the two clubs are negotiating to bridge the valuation gap:
- Initial Offer Rejected:Manchester City turned down Barcelona’s opening bid worth €45 million (£38.5 million) plus performance add-ons, deeming it below their market expectation.
- City’s Valuation:City are holding out for a package of at least £60 million (~€70 million) before granting approval for their midfield anchor to depart.
- Improved Bid Coming: Joan Laporta and Deco are structuring a higher proposal, with expectations growing across both boardrooms that a compromise around €50m–€60m can be finalized shortly.
Player Side & Flick Factor
Rodri’s personal decision has been crucial in accelerating direct club-to-club talks:
- Selected Barça Over Real Madrid:After initial contact from Real Madrid, Rodri’s camp respectfully informed Los Blancos that his sole priority is joining Barcelona.
- Managerial Calls:Hansi Flick held direct telephone discussions with Rodri to detail his tactical role, identifying him as the vital midfield piece needed—especially with Frenkie de Jong sidelined with a long-term knee injury.
- Timing Target:Reports in Catalonia indicate Barcelona are aiming to finalize the transfer in time for Rodri to be presented alongside the rest of Spain’s World Cup contingent.