Manchester City have reportedly rejected Barcelona’s opening £38.5 million (€45 million) proposal for Rodri, setting the stage for another heavyweight transfer battle as the Spanish champions attempt to lure the World Cup-winning midfielder back to Spain. City are understood to want at least £60 million, while Barcelona remain in negotiations for the 30-year-old, who reportedly prefers a move to Camp Nou.
Manchester City Says £38.5m Is Not Enough to Open the Door
The latest development has given the summer transfer window another dose of football theatre, with Barcelona effectively knocking on Manchester City’s door with £38.5 million only to be told that the door has not yet reached the stage of opening. Rodri, who joined Manchester City from Atlético Madrid in 2019, is reportedly in the final year of his contract and has declined a lucrative extension, making the negotiations particularly significant.
Barcelona have reportedly identified Rodri as a priority after Frenkie de Jong suffered a knee injury, while Rodri has emerged as the preferred destination following the collapse of Real Madrid’s pursuit. Reports say he has already agreed personal terms with Barcelona and spoken with manager Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco, although the clubs still have the rather substantial matter of agreeing a transfer fee.
Mourinho Watches Barcelona Move While Manchester City Prepare Their Shopping List
The situation becomes even more entertaining with José Mourinho now back in charge at Real Madrid. The Portuguese coach was officially appointed for three seasons in June, and reports have linked him with midfield reinforcements. However, claims that Real Madrid are actively pursuing Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández should be treated cautiously: Real Madrid publicly denied having any intention of negotiating for the Argentine earlier in July.
Meanwhile, Manchester City appear to be planning for life beyond Rodri should the Spaniard eventually depart. Manchester City have already signed Elliot Anderson for a reported £116 million and remain interested in Morocco international Ayyoub Bouaddi, with reports previously placing the Lille midfielder’s potential price around £85 million. Enzo Fernández has also been mentioned as a possible target. In other words, while Barcelona are counting their pounds, City appear to be counting midfielders.
The saga has therefore developed into a classic transfer-window comedy: Barcelona want Rodri, Manchester City want substantially more money, Rodri reportedly wants Barcelona, and Real Madrid have been left watching events unfold after their own pursuit failed. With negotiations continuing, the next offer could determine whether this becomes a straightforward transfer or another European football soap opera. OGM News FC will continue to monitor the situation as the clubs decide whether Rodri’s price tag is a final demand or merely the opening chapter of a very expensive conversation.
