Manchester City confident Barcelona will join Madrid in transfer battle for Rodri

Manchester City confident Barcelona will join Madrid in transfer battle for Rodri Manchester City are confident that Barcelona will join rivals Real Madrid in the race to sign Rodri this summer, per SPORT .  This is reportedly the reason City have frozen negotiations with Madrid.  The Premier League giants are not prepared to part with their highly influential midfielder as they view him as a key part of their plan for the 2026-27 season.  But if they don’t cash in on him this summer, they risk losing him for nothing next year.  Given City’s weak negotiating position, it has been suggested they could sell him for a fee around £56 million.  However, Madrid are only willing to spend up to £43 for a deal , given the Spaniard has less than a year left on his current contract.  Rodri is hailed as one of the best midfielders in the world, known for his passing, composure, aerial dominance and stamina.  The 30-year-old won the World Cup’s Golden Ball for his crucial role in helping Spain lift the trophy for the first time since 2010.  Rodri has also enjoyed a hugely successful stint at Man City. He has made 298 appearances and scored 28 goals to help his side win four Premier League titles and the 2023 Champions League trophy.  But it is clear the World Cup winner now wants a return to La Liga to play for Madrid.  Stats from Transfermarkt