Barcelona prepares improved Rodri bid as City face contract expiry pressure
Manchester City must secure a sale within the current window or risk losing the midfielder for free next summer, following the rejection of an initial €50 million package.
FC Barcelona are preparing to submit an improved transfer offer to Manchester City for midfielder Rodri, following a definitive update from the player regarding his future. The 30-year-old Spain international has formally informed the Manchester City hierarchy that he only wishes to join the Catalan club this summer, effectively narrowing his potential destinations and providing Barcelona with a distinct advantage in ongoing negotiations.
The decision to formulate a second proposal comes after Manchester City rejected Barcelona’s opening formal bid. The initial package submitted by the Blaugrana board consisted of a €45 million fixed transfer fee, alongside an additional €5 million structured in performance-related add-ons. While City directors turned down the €50 million total package, viewing it as below their internal valuation for the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, direct club-to-club talks have not broken down.
Manchester City find themselves in a compromised negotiating position because Rodri has officially entered the final 12 months of his contract. This timeline means the English club must secure a sale during the current transfer window or risk losing the player for absolutely nothing next summer, increasing the urgency to reach an agreement.
Behind the scenes, Barcelona’s executive board has expressed high confidence regarding the ultimate outcome of the transfer saga. Senior figures at the club view the completion of the deal as a matter of time, with the sporting department, led by Deco, currently working on the exact numbers of the final fee to find a structural middle ground that satisfies Manchester City’s demands.
The club’s confidence is largely fueled by Rodri’s firm stance, despite him previously reaching a verbal agreement on contract terms with Real Madrid. The intervention from Barcelona, including daily contact from his Spanish national team teammates, successfully convinced him to choose Hansi Flick’s sporting project instead. A secret meeting with Deco and advice from former manager Pep Guardiola also played key roles in his decision.
According to reports from Fabrizio Romano, the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner has made it clear to Manchester City that he only wishes to join Barcelona. It is now a matter of finalising an agreement over the transfer fee and the payment structure, with Barcelona executives confident the deal will be completed.
