Manchester City have rejected Barcelona’s opening offer for Rodri after deciding the proposal fell well short of their valuation of the Spain international.
Barcelona’s first bid, believed to be worth around £38.5-40 million, was immediately turned down, with City insisting they would only consider offers in excess of £60 million for the 30-year-old midfielder, who has entered the final year of his contract at the Etihad Stadium.
The rejection has temporarily stalled negotiations between the clubs, but Barcelona have not abandoned their pursuit.
The La Liga champions are expected to return with an improved proposal in the coming days as they look to secure one of the biggest signings of the summer.
Manchester City’s preferred outcome remains keeping Rodri.
The Premier League club are keen to tie the Ballon d’Or winner to a new long-term contract and see him as a central figure in Enzo Maresca’s plans. However, if Rodri formally asks to leave, City are understood to be prepared to negotiate rather than force him to stay.
Barcelona’s confidence has grown after receiving indications that Rodri favours a move to the Camp Nou over Real Madrid.
Spanish reports claim the midfielder has informed Real Madrid that he has chosen Barcelona, prompting Los Blancos to end their interest after weeks of discussions.
Real Madrid had made a strong push to sign the Spain captain, with club president Florentino Perez and senior officials heavily involved in negotiations. Despite what has been described as an attractive proposal, Rodri is reported to have opted for Barcelona instead, bringing Madrid’s pursuit to an end.
Rodri is currently recovering from back surgery following Spain’s successful FIFA World Cup campaign.
The midfielder is expected to miss Manchester City’s Community Shield clash against Arsenal and the opening Premier League fixture before returning later this month.
Should Rodri depart, Manchester City are already exploring replacements.
The club remain in discussions with Lille over highly rated Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, although the French club’s valuation continues to complicate negotiations.
For now, City are standing firm on their asking price, leaving Barcelona with a decision over whether to significantly increase their offer if they are to land one of world football’s finest midfielders.
