FC Barcelona’s search for a long-term successor to Sergio Busquets in the pivot has taken on fresh urgency this summer, with Hansi Flick’s midfield options thinning out and Rodri emerging as the club’s clearest solution. According to Sky Sports, Manchester City have rejected an initial offer from the Blaugranes for the Spain international, with the bid considered far too low for a player City value considerably higher despite his advancing contract situation.
As Sky Sports has reported, Barcelona’s opening proposal was worth in the region of £40m, while City are holding out for upwards of £60m before sanctioning any sale. Talks have consequently stalled for now, though the report is clear that Barcelona are not walking away, with another offer said to be in preparation for the coming days.
The financial gap matters because Rodri, at 30, has entered the final year of his contract at the Etihad, a detail that ordinarily strengthens a buying club’s hand. City, however, do not want to sell their World Cup-winning captain at all and would prefer to negotiate a new deal with him, only stepping aside if the player himself pushes to leave. More detail on the financial gap between the two clubs underlines just how far apart the positions remain at this early stage.
Sources in Spain believe Rodri would prefer a move to Barcelona over Real Madrid, which explains why the Blaugranes have pushed to the front of this race despite the asking price mismatch. Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher argued City have little incentive to sell at £40-50m, calling Rodri arguably the best midfield player in world football and warning that losing him would leave a hole even Elliot Anderson could not fully cover.
Manchester City’s contingency planning is itself part of the story here. Sky in Italy has reported that Chelsea’s Enzo Fernández would be a “dream” signing for City boss Enzo Maresca should Rodri depart, though earlier this summer City had ruled out pursuing the Argentine while their priority remained retaining their captain. Real Madrid have denied interest in Fernández, whose contract at Stamford Bridge runs to 2032 and whom Chelsea value at £120m, complicating any late move regardless of who initiates it.
The broader midfield need driving Barcelona’s pursuit remains the backdrop to all of this, and City’s current stance in negotiations suggests the Catalans will need a significantly improved package before any deal advances further.
For now, the situation sits at an impasse rather than a resolution. Barcelona’s willingness to return with a revised bid suggests genuine intent, but until City’s £60m valuation is bridged, or Rodri himself forces the issue, this remains an unresolved negotiation rather than a finished transfer.