Man City reject Barcelona’s £38.5m opening bid for Rodri

Manchester City has rebuffed an opening offer of £38.5 million from Barcelona for their influential midfielder Rodri. The Premier League champions are reportedly seeking a fee exceeding £60 million for the Spain international, underscoring Rodri's significant value to the team. The 30-year-old midfielder has entered the final year of his contract at the Etihad Stadium, and with no new deal agreed upon, uncertainty surrounds his future this summer.

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Barcelona have emerged as the leading contenders for Rodri’s signature after receiving encouragement from the player’s camp to begin negotiations with City.

Barcelona has emerged as a leading contender for Rodri's signature, reportedly receiving encouragement from the player's camp to initiate negotiations. However, their initial formal offer was promptly rejected by City. While Manchester City is open to considering a sale, they are adamant about securing a substantial transfer fee for one of the world's most dominant defensive midfielders. Rodri's recent seasons have been hampered by injuries, including a serious knee problem and a hamstring issue, but he regained peak form during the World Cup, where he was instrumental in Spain's victory and was named the tournament's best player.

Reports indicate that previous interest from Real Madrid has cooled, allowing Barcelona to push forward. Discussions between Barcelona and Rodri's representatives are ongoing, though no agreement has been reached between the clubs. Rodri is currently recovering from back surgery and is expected to return to Manchester next week for rehabilitation with City. As the transfer window progresses, City aims to resolve Rodri's future swiftly, potentially to fund a move for an alternative. They are also reportedly in talks for 18-year-old Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille, though Lille's valuation of £86 million presents a significant obstacle.

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City are willing to consider a sale but want a significant fee for the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, who remains one of the most influential defensive midfielders in world football.

Earlier reports suggested Real Madrid had made a strong bid for Rodri following Spain's World Cup success. According to Spanish radio station Cadena Ser, Rodri's agent, Pablo Barquero, confirmed that Real Madrid presented an attractive offer and held positive discussions. However, Rodri ultimately opted to pursue a different path, leading Real Madrid to end their pursuit. Barcelona's renewed interest now places them at the forefront of the race for the midfielder, as City contemplates the future of a key player.

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According to Spanish radio station Cadena Ser, Rodri’s agent Pablo Barquero confirmed that Real Madrid presented an attractive offer and held positive discussions with the player’s representatives.