Rodri eyes Barcelona move, but Man City demands high price

Rodri, the Spanish midfielder, is reportedly aiming for a return to Spanish football, with Barcelona being his preferred destination. However, Manchester City is holding firm on its valuation, seeking to extract the maximum possible profit for the player, who was named the Golden Ball winner at the recent World Cup.

While Rodri has a year left on his contract, he believes his time at City is concluded, especially with the departure of manager Pep Guardiola and the arrival of Enzo Maresca. City has attempted to persuade Rodri to extend his contract beyond 2027, but the player is keen on a move to La Liga.

Despite earlier speculation linking Real Madrid, Barcelona has emerged as the frontrunner. English media reports suggest City's asking price is around 60 million pounds (70 million euros), while Barcelona's initial offer stands at 45 million euros. Rodri is currently undergoing rehabilitation after back surgery, with no estimated return date, likely causing him to miss the start of the league season.