Deco and Viana set for talks over Rodri as Barcelona seek Manchester City breakthrough

Barcelona’s attempt to sign Rodri remains unresolved, with Manchester City rejecting an initial €50m offer for the Spain midfielder and insisting that any agreement must be worth at least €70m.

Rodri has made clear that he would like to join Barcelona next season. He has turned down approaches from Real Madrid and has also rejected Manchester City’s offer to extend his contract, according to the information reported in the Spanish newspaper Marca.

Despite reports suggesting that Barcelona and Manchester City had already reached a final agreement, negotiations have not yet reached that stage. The two clubs remain in contact and are keen to settle the transfer as quickly as possible, but the financial difference between them continues to complicate discussions.

Barcelona’s opening proposal was valued at €50m, but Manchester City refused the offer. The English club is holding firm on its valuation and wants to receive no less than €70m before allowing the Spanish midfielder to leave.

At present, Barcelona are not prepared to meet that figure. The Catalan club is understood to be working within a lower financial limit, meaning further negotiations will be needed before the sides can find an arrangement acceptable to both.

Barcelona sporting director Deco is expected to meet Manchester City sporting director Hugo Viana in the coming hours. The meeting is intended to narrow the gap between the clubs and explore whether the structure of the deal can be adjusted to help complete the transfer.

One possible solution could involve performance-related variables linked to Rodri’s contribution. Such clauses may allow Barcelona to keep the guaranteed part of the fee below Manchester City’s demands while giving the Premier League club the opportunity to earn more if certain conditions are met.

Deco and Viana are attempting to accelerate the talks because Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick wants Rodri to join his squad as soon as possible. The midfielder’s arrival is a priority for Flick, although the remaining disagreement over the transfer fee means the move cannot yet be considered close.

Rodri had been expected to join Barcelona training on Wednesday alongside the club’s other Spain internationals. However, completing the transfer by that point now appears difficult because negotiations between Barcelona and Manchester City are still continuing.

Even if the clubs reach an agreement, the move will not be finalised immediately. Rodri must undergo a medical examination before the transfer can be completed, while several other elements of the agreement still need to be settled and given final approval.

The positive relationship between Barcelona and Manchester City could help the discussions, but it has not removed the central obstacle: Barcelona want to pay less than €70m, while Manchester City continue to demand that amount as the minimum fee for the Spain international.