Manchester City reject Barcelona bid for Rodri

Manchester City have rejected Barcelona’s opening offer for Rodri, with the Premier League club unwilling to sanction the departure of the Spain captain below their valuation. Negotiations are continuing, but City are standing firm after turning down a bid worth £38.5m.

City hold out for higher fee

Barcelona’s approach has not altered City’s position. The club want at least £60m before allowing Rodri to leave, despite the midfielder entering the final year of his contract.

Rodri, now 30, is understood to have become open to a return to Spain following Pep Guardiola’s departure. He has also rejected the chance to sign a new deal at the Etihad, increasing the focus on his future during this window.

The midfielder joined City from Atlético Madrid in 2019 and has grown into one of the defining figures of their recent era. Last month he was also recognised on the international stage, winning the World Cup Golden Ball after captaining Spain.

Barcelona push on after Real Madrid talks collapse

Barcelona have emerged as Rodri’s preferred destination after discussions with Real Madrid broke down this week. The Spanish champions are understood to have agreed personal terms with the player and remain in contact with City in an attempt to find a compromise.

Rodri has reportedly spoken with Barcelona manager Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco about the move. Their interest has been sharpened by the injury to Frenkie de Jong, with the Netherlands midfielder expected to be unavailable for several months after sustaining a knee problem.

Rodri is also managing a fitness issue of his own. He has undergone minor back surgery and is set to miss most of City’s pre-season programme, though that has not cooled Barcelona’s determination to bring him in.

City weigh next steps in the market

Any exit for Rodri would leave City with a major decision in midfield. The club have already signed Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for £116m and are still in talks with Lille over Ayyoub Bouaddi, the Morocco midfielder who could cost up to £80m.

There is also the possibility that City look for a more established replacement if Rodri departs. Chelsea’s Enzo Fernández is among the names thought to be under consideration, although he is also said to be of interest to Real Madrid.

Real Madrid frustration adds another layer

Real’s pursuit of a central midfielder has become a significant subplot in this story. José Mourinho, back for a second spell as manager at the Santiago Bernabéu, is reportedly unhappy after seeing Barcelona move ahead in the race for Rodri.

According to reports in Spain, strengthening in central midfield has been Mourinho’s priority. Real have already added several players, including Yan Diomande, Marc Cucurella, Bernardo Silva, Ibrahima Konaté, Denzel Dumfries and Carlos Espí, and may need to sell before making another major move.

For now, though, the focus remains on Rodri. Barcelona want him, the player is understood to favour the move, and City have made clear that only the right offer will force a breakthrough.