Barcelona have submitted a transfer proposal of approximately €45 million plus add-ons to Manchester City for midfielder Rodri, according to reports by The Athletic. The Premier League club has signaled that the bid falls significantly short of their valuation, as City officials maintain they would require an offer closer to €80 million to contemplate a sale. According to the same reporting, meaningful club-to-club negotiations have not yet commenced because Manchester City considers the current proposal unserious.
Contract Status and Player Stance
Rodri’s current contract with Manchester City runs until June 2027, and according to reporting from The Athletic, the midfielder has shown little inclination to extend his terms. The 30-year-old player prefers a move to Camp Nou over any other destination, drawn by Barcelona’s style of play and a squad that includes eight members of Spain’s recent 2026 World Cup-winning team. Real Madrid had previously explored a deal for the midfielder earlier in the summer, according to The Athletic’s prior reporting, but Barcelona’s renewed pursuit has placed the Catalan club at the forefront of the player’s preferences.
Injury Context and Squad Impact
The pursuit of the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner coincides with squad roster adjustments for both clubs. Barcelona are navigating the absence of midfielder Frenkie de Jong, who is sidelined for the start of the 2026–27 season due to a torn medial collateral ligament in his right knee, as reported by The Athletic. Rodri himself underwent minor back surgery following the 2026 World Cup, though he is anticipated to return to action before the end of August. For Manchester City, the potential departure comes during a summer of extensive transition following the departure of long-serving manager Pep Guardiola after a decade in charge, alongside squad departures including Bernardo Silva and John Stones. City have already bolstered their midfield options by securing Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for a reported £116million ($52.1m).
Valuation Disparity and Next Steps
| Party | Stance / Valuation |
|---|---|
| Barcelona Offer | ~€45 million plus add-ons (according to The Athletic) |
| Manchester City Valuation | ~€80 million (according to The Athletic) |
| Player Contract Expiry | 2027 |
Manchester City must evaluate whether to secure a significant transfer fee now or risk retaining a player who is unwilling to sign an extension as his contract winds down toward 2027. While Barcelona and Rodri’s camp remain confident on reaching agreement club to club in order to proceed with the deal… …TALKS UNDERWAY.
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