Barcelona’s efforts to bring Rodri back to Spain have suffered another setback after Manchester City rejected an improved £55 million bid for the midfielder.
The Spanish club had initially tested City’s resolve with an offer of about £40 million, but their decision to return with a significantly improved proposal has not changed the Premier League club’s position. City are believed to value the 30-year-old at more than £60 million and remain unwilling to lower their demands.
At the centre of the negotiations is a major difference in how both clubs value the World Cup-winning Spain international. Manchester City are reportedly seeking an upfront guaranteed fee of between €70 million and €80 million before they would seriously consider allowing Rodri to leave.
Barcelona, however, are limited by La Liga’s financial regulations and are currently unable to match that valuation. Their package is understood to be worth around €65 million, with a substantial portion dependent on add-ons, bonuses and other conditions rather than guaranteed payments.
Despite having entered the final year of his contract at the Etihad Stadium, Rodri remains a player City would prefer to keep. The club are said to be working towards an agreement that would see him extend his stay rather than depart during the current transfer window.
According to Sky Sports, City have no intention of forcing the midfielder out and would only reconsider their stance if Rodri formally made it clear that he wanted to leave. Until then, their priority remains securing his future at the club.
Barcelona are nevertheless expected to continue monitoring the situation and are considering whether to submit another offer as they search for a way to bridge the gap between their financial limits and City’s asking price.
Rodri’s future could also have wider implications for City’s midfield plans. The club face the possibility of losing two central midfielders this summer and have already begun exploring potential replacements.
Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez and Lille youngster Ayyoub Bouaddi are among the players reportedly under consideration as City assess their options.
For now, however, Barcelona face a difficult task. Unless they can restructure their offer or significantly increase the guaranteed amount, Manchester City appear determined to hold on to one of their most important players.
