Barcelona intensifies bid for Manchester City’s Rodri
Manchester City are prepared to sell Rodri this summer as Barcelona step up their pursuit of the Spain captain following the collapse of Real Madrid’s attempts to sign him, reports BritPanorama.
The Premier League giants would demand more than £60 million for the 30-year-old, who has entered the final year of his contract at the Etihad Stadium and is yet to agree fresh terms.
According to the BBC, Barcelona have been encouraged by Rodri’s camp to complete a deal. However, City have rejected their opening offer of £38.5 million.
Barcelona have confirmed they are holding ongoing conversations with the midfielder’s representatives as their interest gathers pace. Initially, there was uncertainty about whether the Spanish champions could finalize a deal, but City are now open to sanctioning Rodri’s departure for the right price.
This development marks a significant shift in the quest for his signature, as Real Madrid had previously seemed the most likely destination. Talks with the Bernabéu have concluded, which could clear a path for Barcelona to acquire the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner.
Rodri has faced a challenging couple of seasons marred by injury issues, including a serious knee problem that kept him sidelined for much of the 2024-25 season. Nonetheless, he reassured critics of his abilities with a standout performance at this summer’s World Cup, where he captained Spain to victory and was named player of the tournament.
Currently, he is recovering from back surgery but is expected to rejoin his City teammates in Manchester early next week. As the transfer window enters its second week of August, City seeks clarity over Rodri’s future to allow ample time for a potential replacement recruitment.
Enzo Maresca’s side are reportedly exploring a deal for Lille’s promising 18-year-old Morocco midfielder, Ayyoub Bouaddi, though the French club’s £86 million asking price poses a considerable challenge.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid appears to have acknowledged defeat in their pursuit of Rodri. Spanish radio network Cadena Ser reported that Madrid made an “irresistible” proposal shortly after Spain’s World Cup success, beginning negotiations soon after. Rodri’s representatives appreciated Real’s approach, with club president Florentino Pérez among those pushing for the transfer.
Despite Madrid’s significant offer, Rodri reportedly opted for another opportunity, leading to their withdrawal from negotiations to prevent prolonging uncertainty about his future.
This decision positions Barcelona advantageously as they seek to bring the Spain captain back to his homeland. With City willing to consider offers exceeding £60 million, the chances of Rodri leaving Manchester after seven years now seem increasingly viable.
The intrigue surrounding Rodri’s potential move back to Spain also reflects the fast-paced dynamics of football transfers and the broader implications for player careers in an increasingly competitive market.
