Rodri gives Barcelona permission to negotiate Manchester City transfer, reports say

Barcelona have received encouragement from Rodri to open negotiations with Manchester City over a potential summer move for the Spain midfielder, according to Catalan newspaper Mundo Deportivo.

The report says Rodri has given the club the green light to begin discussions with his current employers after being persuaded by the sporting project led by Barcelona manager Hansi Flick. The midfielder has informed Barcelona’s hierarchy that he is prepared to listen to an offer from the Catalan club.

No agreement has been reached between Barcelona and Manchester City, with negotiations still at an early stage and a number of details yet to be resolved with both the player and the English club.

Mundo Deportivo’s report represents a significant development in Barcelona’s pursuit of Rodri. Until recently, the club believed the 30-year-old preferred a return to Spain with Real Madrid if he were to leave the Premier League.

However, the player’s position is now understood to have changed, with Barcelona reportedly becoming his preferred destination.

Madrid-based newspaper AS has also reported that Rodri told Real Madrid’s management he would not join them and would instead favour a move to Barcelona.

Barcelona’s initial approach has already been made. Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano says the club has sent its first formal offer to Rodri’s representatives, while Barcelona officials have begun contact with Manchester City in an effort to determine whether the transfer can be completed.

Manchester City are understood to be demanding 60 million euros for their captain. That valuation will be a central part of the discussions, given that the two clubs remain some distance from a final agreement.

Barcelona regard Rodri’s approval as the most important step in the proposed deal. Despite their interest in the midfielder, the club’s primary transfer-market objective remains strengthening its attack.

The Catalan side nevertheless considers the opportunity to sign one of the world’s leading midfielders too significant to ignore. Club officials believe Rodri’s quality, experience and leadership would fit the plans being developed under Flick.

The proposed move would depend on Barcelona reaching terms with Manchester City as well as finalising the remaining details with Rodri. For now, the player’s reported preference for Barcelona has given the club confidence as it attempts to negotiate a deal with the English champions.

Manchester City’s 60 million euro asking price remains the figure Barcelona must address, while discussions between the clubs are expected to determine whether the transfer can progress.