Report: Barcelona still pushing hard for Rodri deal

Report: Barcelona still pushing hard for Rodri deal Rodri transfer latest as Barcelona close in on Manchester City agreement Barcelona’s pursuit of Rodri has moved into a more serious phase, with TeamTalk reporting that a third offer has now been lodged for the Manchester City midfielder. The latest proposal is said to be worth around €70million (£60m), a notable increase on previous attempts, but it still falls short of City’s asking price. There is a growing sense that this deal is edging towards a conclusion. City are understood to want a package worth €80million (£68m), and while the gap remains, the tone of the negotiations appears to have shifted. According to the report, “City sources have confirmed to TEAMtalk that they now expect a deal to be completed in the coming days, but Barcelona will need to get the overall package up to €80million (£68m).” That is a strong indicator of where matters stand. photo IMAGO Barcelona step up Rodri transfer push This has not been a sudden move. Barcelona first tested the waters with a bid of £38.5m, which was rejected quickly. A second offer, worth around €60m (£51m), also failed to make enough progress. Now, with a third bid on the table, the Spanish champions appear to have cleared one of the biggest hurdles, which is convincing City that they are prepared to move towards the required figure. The report states that “with bonuses and add-ons included, the two sides are now understood to be getting much closer to City’s valuation and there is growing confidence that the transfer will eventually be agreed.” That wording matters. It suggests this is now a negotiation over structure and final details, rather than a stand-off over principle. Manchester City stance becomes clearer Rodri, now 30, is entering the final year of his contract and remains one of the most decorated midfielders of the modern City era. Since arriving from Atletico Madrid in 2019, he has won four Premier League titles, the Champions League and two FA Cups, while also claiming the 2024 Ballon d’Or. There has also been a clear process from City’s side. TeamTalk reports that “City had insisted that Rodri return to England if a deal with Barcelona was not completed before the start of pre-season.” That happened, with the midfielder returning to Manchester while talks continued. It is also significant that “City had also made it clear to Rodri’s representatives that they needed to play an active role in getting Barcelona’s offer closer to the required figure.” Rodri camp heavily involved in talks That part now looks pivotal. “TEAMtalk understands the player’s camp has indeed become heavily involved in the negotiations and is now working alongside Barcelona in an effort to find a solution.” When a player’s representatives are operating in tandem with the buying club, it typically means there is a shared confidence that the framework of a transfer can be reached. The key line may be the simplest one, “All parties remain confident that the situation will reach a successful conclusion, with Rodri still determined to make the move to the Camp Nou.” For now, he remains a Manchester City player. Yet the direction of travel is increasingly clear, and unless talks stall unexpectedly, Barcelona appear to be closing in on one of the biggest midfield deals of the window. Our View From a frustrated Manchester City supporter’s perspective, this feels like one of those transfers that makes perfect financial sense on paper and still leaves a bad taste. Rodri has been the reference point in midfield for years, the player who made everything settle down, the one who gave City control in the biggest matches. Seeing a Ballon d’Or winner pushed towards the exit, even for €80million (£68m), is hard to dress up as good news. If he truly wants Barcelona, then fine, no club can keep a player forever. But City supporters will fairly ask why it has come to this point. You do not casually replace a midfielder of this intelligence, composure and authority. There are elite players, and then there are system-defining players. Rodri sits firmly in the second category. There is frustration too in the idea that Barcelona can keep inching forward with bids until the selling club gives way. First £38.5m, then €60m (£51m), now €70million (£60m). It has felt like a long process designed to wear City down. Fans will want the club to stay firm and get every penny of that €80million (£68m) package. More than anything, this report underlines how important the next decision will be. If Rodri goes, City cannot afford sentiment, delay or half-measures. They need a ready-made answer, not a project, not a gamble, and not a player who needs two years to understand the role. Anything less and supporters will feel the club have willingly created a problem at the base of midfield. Source: TeamTalk