Manchester City have rejected an opening £38.5 million offer from Barcelona for Rodri, with the Premier League champions reportedly demanding more than £60m for the midfielder.
City are understood to be open to selling the 30-year-old Spaniard, who is entering the final year of his contract at the Etihad Stadium and has yet to agree a new deal.
Barcelona have emerged as the leading contenders for Rodri after reportedly receiving the player’s approval to open negotiations with City. The Catalan club subsequently submitted their first formal offer on Friday.
Talks between Rodri and Barcelona are ongoing, while negotiations with Real Madrid have reportedly ended, clearing the way for Barcelona to pursue the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner.
Rodri’s injury history
Rodri endured a difficult period after suffering a serious knee injury that ruled him out for much of the 2024-25 campaign. His previous season was also disrupted by a hamstring problem.
However, the midfielder returned to his best at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, helping Spain win the tournament and earning the Player of the Tournament award.
He is currently sidelined after undergoing back surgery last month and is expected to return to Manchester to rejoin his City teammates early next week.
City already looking for replacement
With the transfer window approaching its final weeks, Manchester City are keen to resolve Rodri’s future quickly should they agree to his departure.
The club are already pursuing Lille’s highly rated 18-year-old Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, but Lille’s reported £86m valuation has become a significant obstacle.
Barcelona’s initial £38.5m proposal therefore falls considerably short of City’s expectations, setting the stage for further negotiations over one of the summer’s biggest potential midfield transfers.
