Manchester City has rejected Barcelona's initial offers for midfielder Rodri, which were around £38.5 million and €45-50 million, as official negotiations continue between the clubs [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. The English club values Rodri at approximately £60-68 million (€65-70 million) and insists on a fee closer to this range to complete the transfer [1, 3, 5].
Rodri, aged 30, is under contract at Manchester City for one more season and holds the distinction of being a 2026 World Cup winner and Ballon d'Or recipient [1, 6, 7, 5]. However, he has been impacted by injuries, including minor back surgery earlier this month and a previous ACL injury sustained in 2024 that sidelined him for much of the 2024/25 season [1, 6, 7].
Barcelona have agreed personal terms with Rodri and entered formal club-to-club talks with Manchester City after the player’s agreement, underlining their strong interest in securing the midfielder [3, 4]. Their pursuit intensified following an injury to Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong, which increased urgency to bolster their midfield options [6, 7]. Rodri’s agent confirmed the player’s preference to join Barcelona over Real Madrid, stating, "Out of respect for Madrid, as they have been class, Rodri informed them that his decision is to join Barça" [3].
Real Madrid had reportedly expressed interest but have not reached any agreement with Rodri or Manchester City, leaving Barcelona as the primary contender for the midfielder [1, 6, 7, 4]. According to sources, Madrid’s offer was around €40 million and discussions stalled due to financial terms, while some reports suggested Madrid bid up to €50 million but City demanded €75 million [6, 3].
Manchester City are not ruling out Rodri extending his contract but are preparing for his potential exit. The club recently signed Elliot Anderson for a British record fee of £116 million and are negotiating to acquire Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi as replacements to strengthen their squad [6, 7, 5].
Barcelona are reportedly willing to pay up to €60 million including variables for Rodri, but are aiming to avoid exceeding this amount [3]. On August 7, official talks took place between the two clubs after Rodri’s personal terms were settled [3]. Meanwhile, the player underwent minor back surgery on August 6, causing him to miss most of Manchester City’s preseason preparations [6].
Manchester City head coach Enzo Maresca commented on Rodri’s situation, saying, "Any manager in the world wants Rodri, so it's important for me, for the club and for everyone, but now he needs a holiday. He's very important when we need to play every three days" [7]. Barcelona winger Ferran Torres also referenced ongoing negotiations, noting, "All I know is that I have to be in training for Barcelona on 12 August. Let’s see what happens. Show me they want me, come to negotiate" [6].
