Barcelona’s opening €45m (£38.5m) bid for Rodri has been turned down, leaving the clubs some way apart and the potential transfer unresolved for now. Rodri remains a regular first-team player for Manchester City, with 21 Premier League appearances, 17 starts and 1,511 minutes under his belt in 2025/26.
- Manchester City have rejected Barcelona’s opening €45m bid for Rodri.
- Barcelona could yet return with a package worth €60m plus add-ons.
- City reportedly value Rodri at around €80m, meaning no agreement is currently in place.
Rodri’s current situation at Manchester City
Rodri remains a senior first-team midfielder at Manchester City, which helps explain why the club are not keen to accept an opening offer they view as too low. His 2025/26 Premier League involvement alone underlines that point; 21 appearances, 17 starts and 1,511 minutes show he is still very much part of the picture.
Manchester City would reportedly prefer to keep him and agree a new contract rather than sell him this summer. Even so, the situation could remain active if Rodri formally pushes for a move, with City understood to be open to reconsidering their stance in that scenario.
Barcelona’s pursuit and the valuation gap
Barcelona’s interest centres on their need for midfield cover, with Frenkie de Jong expected to miss several months after a knee injury and Rodri emerging as one of the names under consideration.
Barcelona’s €45m opening offer has already been rejected, while a fresh package of €60m plus add-ons could follow if they decide to test City again. City, though, appear to be holding out for around €80m, which leaves plenty of ground still to make up.
Rodri is understood to be open to joining Barcelona after discussions with Real Madrid broke down, and personal terms may already have been discussed. The transfer fee remains the biggest obstacle to any deal.
What could happen next in the Rodri negotiations
Talks could continue if Barcelona come back with improved terms, but a deal is not close to being agreed unless the valuation gap narrows.
A departure would also force Manchester City to think about midfield reinforcements, with Enzo Fernández reportedly among the possible options mentioned if Rodri does leave. Until Barcelona make an offer that changes City’s thinking, the question is whether they can bridge the gap.
