Barcelona bid for Rodri rejected as City hold firm

Barcelona’s pursuit of Rodri remains unresolved after Manchester City rejected a second offer for the Spain midfielder, according to reports cited in Spain and England. The deal has not yet been finalised despite suggestions that an agreement was moving closer, with City continuing to hold firm on their valuation.

City reject Barcelona’s improved proposal

Rodri has emerged as one of the most prominent names on the market after his recent success with Spain, where he played a central role in their World Cup triumph and was named the tournament’s most valuable player. That profile has only increased interest from Barcelona, who are trying to bring him to Hansi Flick’s squad.

The negotiations, however, have proved more complicated than initially expected. Barcelona’s opening offer of 40 million euros was considered well below City’s demands. The Catalan club then returned with an improved proposal worth just under 65 million euros, but that too was rejected.

Journalist Ben Jacobs reported that Barcelona’s second bid, worth around £55 million, had been turned down and that discussions were still ongoing.

Manchester City’s asking price remains unchanged

City are said to be unwilling to drop below 80 million euros for the 30-year-old. That stance has become the central obstacle in talks, even as the gap between the two clubs appears to have narrowed.

According to details carried by the Catalan newspaper Sport, Barcelona could yet return with a structure closer to City’s expectations. The outline mentioned in those reports would include 65 million euros in fixed payments plus 10 million euros in add-ons, with part of those variables described as easier to trigger than others.

That package is viewed as a level at which City might begin to soften, although no agreement has yet been reached.

Rodri’s position adds pressure to the process

A significant factor in the negotiations is Rodri’s own preference. The midfielder’s priority is reportedly to join Barcelona, and that desire is said to be influencing the final phase of talks. Reports in Spain suggest he has been willing to make personal concessions in order to help the move go through.

There is also a timing element to the situation. Rodri is due to rejoin Manchester City shortly, but the hope from Barcelona’s side is that a breakthrough can be found before then. Even so, the final stretch of the negotiations is being described as the most difficult.

Why the transfer matters now

City’s position is shaped not only by Rodri’s status but also by his contract situation. His current deal runs until the end of June 2027, and the source material indicates it is already clear that it will not be extended. That makes this a key window for City if they are to secure a major fee for one of their most important players.

For Barcelona, the attraction is obvious. Rodri is an established Spain international, a recent World Cup standout and a midfielder with the pedigree to reshape the balance of Flick’s team. But unless the financial terms move closer to City’s demands, the transfer will remain in limbo.

• Barcelona have had two offers rejected for Rodri.
• Manchester City are reported to want 80 million euros.
• Talks between the clubs are still ongoing.
• Rodri is said to favour a move to Barcelona.

For now, the outcome remains open. What is clear is that Barcelona have not yet done enough to convince Manchester City to sell.