Barcelona’s move for Rodri appears to have advanced on the player’s side, with the Manchester City and Spain midfielder reportedly open to the switch, but the transfer itself is not yet over the line. City remain the key obstacle after rejecting bids, leaving talks active rather than settled.
- Rodri is said to have chosen Barcelona over Real Madrid.
- Manchester City have rejected at least two Barcelona bids while talks continue.
- Any eventual fee could move beyond €70 million, but the final figure is not yet settled.
Rodri’s current transfer situation
Rodri remains a Manchester City player for now, with no completed move to Barcelona finalised at this stage. What does appear to be in place is progress on personal terms, with Barcelona understood to have reached an agreement with the 30-year-old midfielder as they push to bring him back to Spain.
Barcelona’s pursuit has moved beyond tentative interest, but it is not yet a done deal. City remain in control of the process after turning down Barcelona’s latest £55 million offer, and discussions are ongoing rather than concluding.
Rodri’s own stance is also relevant here. He is said to have been open to a return to Spain following Pep Guardiola’s departure, while his recent schedule has kept him closely tied to City after returning to England following time off after Spain’s World Cup triumph. He also met head coach Enzo Maresca for the first time on Friday.
Manchester City’s valuation and Real Madrid interest
Manchester City’s stance is the clearest reason this proposed move remains unresolved. Rodri is valued at more than €70 million, and while Barcelona’s latest package was expected to land around that mark, it was still not enough to seal an agreement.
That is why the rumoured €77 million figure should be treated cautiously for now. The final amount has not been fixed, and City still have the decisive say.
Real Madrid are currently lingering in the background. Rodri is said to have made Barcelona his preferred destination after that alternative fell away, giving the Catalan club a useful edge on the player’s side, even if it does not solve the harder part of the negotiations with City.
What a move could mean for Barcelona and Rodri
Barcelona’s interest makes perfect sense for the squad, as Frenkie de Jong is expected to miss several months with a knee injury, leaving a major gap in midfield. Rodri would offer an experienced answer to that problem if the clubs can turn talks into a formal agreement.
His profile also explains why Barcelona are pushing so hard. Rodri has just been involved with Spain at the highest level, and City have described him as the first player to win the FIFA World Cup, European Championship, UEFA Champions League, Premier League and Ballon d’Or. That would give Barcelona an immediate, elite option in a position where they suddenly need one.
The move will only become a reality if City soften their position and the two clubs finally bridge the gap.
