Manchester City have dismissed Barcelona’s initial £38.5 million offer for midfielder Rodri, insisting the player’s valuation exceeds £60 million.
Barcelona’s pursuit intensifies
The Spanish champions submitted their first formal approach on Friday after receiving Rodri’s permission to negotiate with the Premier League side.
Rodri is entering the final year of his Etihad contract and has yet to agree to a new deal, fuelling transfer speculation throughout the summer window.
While Real Madrid were long considered the favourites, Barcelona have now moved into pole position after talks between Rodri’s camp and the Madrid side ended.
Barcelona initially acknowledged uncertainty but said discussions have accelerated, confirming ongoing talks with the player’s representatives before lodging the opening bid.
City are eager to settle Rodri’s future quickly as the transfer window reaches a critical stage; any exit would force Pep Guardiola to find a replacement before the new campaign.
The midfielder missed much of the 2024/25 season with a serious knee injury and a hamstring setback, but he returned strongly at the summer World Cup, helping Spain retain the title and earning the tournament’s best player award.
Rodri is currently recovering from back surgery performed last month and is expected to rejoin his Manchester City teammates early next week.
Other transfer targets
Meanwhile, City continue discussions over a potential move for Lille’s highly rated Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, although the French club’s reported £86 million valuation remains a significant hurdle.
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