FC Barcelona Makes New Rodri Bid To Manchester City
FC Barcelona has reportedly made a new verbal bid of €60 million plus add-ons for Manchester City midfielder Rodri, according to Fabrizio Romano and SPORT. Manchester City, however, insists on an €80 million valuation for the Spanish World Cup winner. While Barcelona is reluctant to exceed €70 million, sources indicate the clubs are nearing an agreement, potentially settling around €60-€65 million, similar to City's prior demand from Real Madrid. Rodri, whose contract expires in 2027, has already agreed to join Barça. Despite the high price, he's considered a generational talent who would significantly bolster Hansi Flick's midfield and boost their Champions League aspirations. City's policy allows players to leave if their asking price is met.
FC Barcelona has made a new bid to Manchester City for its midfielder Rodri according to transfer market expert Fabrizio Romano and SPORT, who both cited anonymous sources.
“Barcelona have already made new verbal proposal to Manchester City for Rodri worth €60 million with add-ons,” the Italian tweeted on Wednesday morning.
“Man City insist on €80 million valuation to sell Rodri, Barça remain confident to close [the deal]. Half way between €60 million bid and €80 million can be the solution, with add-ons key,” he added.
At SPORT, they explain that the Blaugrana “do not want to reach €70 million” for the Rodri transfer, but the two clubs are “starting to get very close” in terms of striking a deal.
The Catalan newspaper further reveals that Barça is willing to pay something between €60 million and €65 million since that was what the Premier League giant asked Real Madrid for ahead of negotiations breaking down.
Since that development, Barça has been the lead favorite to land the Spanish World Cup winner, whose contract expires on June 30, 2027.
After Rodri agreed to join them, Barça had a cheeky, initial €46 million bid for the 30-year-old knocked back which was never going to entice City.
Since the Pep Guardiola days, however, the Etihad club has had an honorable policy of not standing in the way of players that wish to leave.
Its asking price has to be met however, and Rodri is starting to get expensive for a Blaugrana outfit also chasing Julian Alvarez.
That being said, Rodri is still worth making the effort for. Where he under contract for longer, the Best Player at the World Cup would be priced double or more, and this is one of those once in a generation deals that Deco and Co. can’t afford to pass up.
An already strong FC Barcelona midfield under Hansi Flick would take a huge step up in quality with Rodri most likely partnering Pedri, while also improving its chances of winning the elusive Champions League trophy as a team.