Barcelona submit third Rodri bid as City manager dismisses transfer speculation
The Spanish club’s latest proposal follows two rejected offers, while the midfielder prepares for back surgery amid contract uncertainty.
Barcelona have submitted a third offer to sign Manchester City midfielder Rodri, with reports indicating the proposal could reach €70 million plus add-ons. According to Marca, the Blaugrana’s latest bid follows two previous attempts valued at €45 million and €60 million, both of which were rejected by City chiefs.
The 30-year-old Spain captain has indicated he will not renew his contract at the Etihad Stadium and is keen on a return to Spain. Rodri has been a pivotal figure for Manchester City, contributing to four Premier League titles and the 2022-23 Champions League victory, but his future at the club remains uncertain as negotiations continue.
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has dismissed current transfer speculation, confirming that Rodri is scheduled to undergo back surgery on Monday. Maresca, who was appointed to the role last month, stated that the midfielder will require rest and recuperation following the procedure, shifting the focus away from potential transfers.
Rodri’s absence from the pitch comes shortly after a successful tournament for Spain, where he started all eight matches and won the Golden Ball. The midfielder’s injury history has been significant in recent seasons, adding another layer of complexity to his current situation at the English club.
Barcelona remain confident about securing a deal for the midfielder, having already completed the signings of Anthony Gordon, Karim Adeyemi, and Jesse Bisiwu. The club is also targeting Julian Alvarez, though Atletico Madrid have rejected a €150 million bid from Real Madrid and show no intention of parting ways with the Argentine striker.
The Community Shield match against Arsenal is scheduled for 16 August, but Rodri will not be available for selection due to his surgical timeline. The exact value and structure of Barcelona’s third bid have not been officially confirmed by either club, with figures based on reports rather than formal announcements.
It remains unclear whether Manchester City will accept the latest proposal or if negotiations will continue beyond the current window. The situation highlights the ongoing tension between player preference and club strategy, as Barcelona seeks to strengthen its midfield while City manages player welfare and squad planning.
