Manchester City stalls Barça’s €45m bid for Rodri in summer market

FC Barcelona Mercato (FC Barcelone Mercato) sees Manchester City refuse the Catalan club’s first offer for midfielder Rodri, a €45 million fee plus €15 million in bonuses, and set a €65 million price tag to release the Spanish international. Rodri has reportedly turned down Real Madrid to favour a move to Barça and has already reached a contractual agreement with the club.

Barça’s initial proposal of €45 million together with €15 million in bonuses was aimed at buying the final year of Rodri’s contract, the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner. Manchester City deemed the conditions insufficient and rejected the bid.

According to the Spanish daily Sport, Manchester City expects €65 million before the summer transfer window closes to let the player depart. The club has made its financial expectations clear and is not yet prepared to lower its price.

The current Spanish champions, Barça, will therefore need to raise its offer, particularly the fixed component, if they wish to secure the best player from the 2026 World Cup. The club’s management acknowledges the gap but believes it can be bridged.

Analysts note that the disparity between the two clubs is not insurmountable, especially if Barça increases the guaranteed part of its proposal. A higher fixed fee could satisfy Manchester City’s demand and unlock the deal.

The contrasting positions—Manchester City’s firm price versus Barça’s willingness to improve—highlight the delicate negotiation surrounding Rodri’s future and the broader dynamics of the European transfer market.