Barcelona step up Rodri pursuit with final offer to Manchester City

Barcelona’s attempt to sign Rodri has reached its most decisive stage yet after the Spanish club submitted a third bid worth more than $76m for the Manchester City midfielder.

There is growing confidence in Catalonia that the latest proposal could persuade Manchester City to allow the Spain international to leave, although Barcelona have stressed that patience will be needed during the crucial final hours of negotiations.

According to Spanish newspaper AS, Manchester City initially sought about €92.5m for Rodri when discussions began. Barcelona now believe the difference between the two clubs can be narrowed and that their third offer may be sufficient to complete the transfer.

The Catalan club’s proposal is understood to be its final bid and represents a significant increase on the amount first put forward. Barcelona originally offered $57m, before raising that figure by about 25% to $76m. Their latest proposal exceeds that sum.

The developments have increased optimism at Barcelona that Rodri is closer to joining the club than at any previous point in the negotiations.

People close to Barcelona had attempted to calm the situation in recent days by insisting that an agreement would eventually be reached. However, the club has had to improve its offer by more than initially expected to keep the deal moving forward.

Rodri, who was born in Madrid, is understood to be interested in beginning a new chapter in his career. Barcelona are preparing to offer him a four-year contract if the transfer is completed.

The midfielder travelled to Manchester on Thursday evening and arrived at Manchester City’s training ground on Friday morning at the scheduled time. His return has done little to remove uncertainty over his future at the club.

Manchester City’s new manager, Enzo Maresca, said: “I hugged him warmly”. He also acknowledged that he could not guarantee Rodri would remain at the Etihad Stadium.

That admission has further encouraged Barcelona, although the club is still aware that the transfer is not yet complete. Manchester City’s asking price and the structure of the final agreement remain the central issues to be resolved.

For now, Barcelona believe the latest offer has placed them in a strong position. The club’s expectation is that its third proposal could close the gap with Manchester City and secure a deal for one of Spain’s leading midfielders.

The negotiations are therefore entering their final phase, with Barcelona waiting to discover whether the English club will accept the terms. Despite the confidence surrounding the move, the Catalan side continues to insist that the outcome will depend on the final stages of the talks.