Barcelona Increases Its Offer for Rodri
FC Barcelona appears determined to take its pursuit of Rodri as far as possible. The Catalan club has reportedly improved its offer for the Spanish midfielder and is beginning to move closer to a figure that could convince Manchester City to seriously consider negotiations.
According to information attributed to Fabrizio Romano, Barça has submitted a new €60 million offer for the 30-year-old, increasing an initial €50 million proposal that was reportedly rejected by the English club.
The new figure would still fall short of Manchester City’s demands, but it represents another significant move by Barcelona for one of its major transfer targets.
The Sky Blues reportedly value Rodri at around €80 million. However, the gap between the two clubs could narrow if negotiations progress, with the possibility of finding a formula worth approximately €70 million plus add-ons.
Barcelona Is Serious About Rodri
The Catalan club’s interest appears to be much more than a simple inquiry.
According to several reports, Deco and Hugo Viana, the sporting executives of Barcelona and Manchester City, respectively, are expected to hold talks to assess the realistic chances of completing a deal.
One major factor that could work in Barça’s favor is the player’s contract situation.
Rodri is under contract with Manchester City until 2027, putting the English club in an important position. If there is no renewal, this summer represents one of its final opportunities to receive a significant transfer fee before the midfielder enters the last year of his contract.
Reports from Catalonia also suggest that the Spanish international would be open to returning to LaLiga, with Barcelona emerging as an attractive destination.
It has even been reported that Rodri has given his word to Hansi Flick, although there is currently no official announcement or agreement between the clubs.
Rodri Could Transform Barcelona’s Midfield
From a sporting perspective, it is easy to understand why Flick could view the Spaniard as a priority signing.
Rodri can give Barcelona something fundamental for a team that wants to dominate through possession but also needs protection when it loses the ball: control.
The Spaniard can operate as a lone holding midfielder, organize the build-up from deeper positions and become the player responsible for dictating the tempo of matches. His ability to read and occupy spaces could also give the attacking midfielders greater freedom while providing more balance when the full-backs push forward.
But perhaps his greatest contribution would come in the biggest matches.
His experience with Manchester City and Spain, along with his ability to manage different phases of a game, would make the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner a player ready to immediately assume a major responsibility.
Rodri Could Transform Barcelona’s Midfield
From a sporting perspective, it is easy to understand why Flick could view the Spaniard as a priority signing.
Rodri can give Barcelona something fundamental for a team that wants to dominate through possession but also needs protection when it loses the ball: control.
The Spaniard can operate as a lone holding midfielder, organize the build-up from deeper positions and become the player responsible for dictating the tempo of matches. His ability to read and occupy spaces could also give the attacking midfielders greater freedom while providing more balance when the full-backs push forward.
But perhaps his greatest contribution would come in the biggest matches.
His experience with Manchester City and Spain, along with his ability to manage different phases of a game, would make the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner a player ready to immediately assume a major responsibility.
Frenkie de Jong Also Enters the Equation
But signing Rodri does not depend solely on convincing Manchester City.
Barcelona also needs to create enough room within its wage bill to handle a deal of this magnitude, and that is where Frenkie de Jong’s future enters the picture.
The Dutchman remains an important part of the club’s salary structure, and any movement regarding his future could help Barça create the financial flexibility needed to complete a move for Rodri.
In addition, De Jong continues to deal with knee problems, a situation that also creates uncertainty ahead of the new season.
That does not necessarily mean the midfielder must leave the club for Rodri to arrive, but a potential departure or any other formula that helps reduce the wage bill would make the operation considerably easier.
For Deco, therefore, the work is taking place on two fronts: negotiating with Manchester City while also finding the necessary financial space within the squad.
The Price Remains the Main Obstacle
The biggest obstacle continues to be the numbers.
Barcelona has reportedly reached €60 million, while Manchester City is believed to be asking for around €80 million. That leaves a €20 million gap that still needs to be resolved before an agreement can be considered.
Including performance-related add-ons could become the key to bringing the two sides closer together. A deal worth around €70 million plus bonuses could provide a middle ground between Barça’s offer and City’s demands.
For now, Rodri remains a Manchester City player, and there is no official agreement for his departure.
But Barcelona appears to have taken another step.
After seeing its first proposal rejected, the Catalan club has reportedly increased its offer and will now try to determine how far City is willing to go in negotiations.
If Rodri really wants to wear the Blaugrana shirt, the next battle will be finding a figure that convinces Manchester City while also creating the financial space necessary to complete one of the moves that could shake up the transfer market.
