Barcelona raise Rodri offer to €60m as Manchester City talks continue

Barcelona have increased their offer for Manchester City midfielder Rodri to €60m as they attempt to complete a deal for the Spain international, who is determined to move to the Catalan club during the current transfer window.

According to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, Barcelona’s latest proposal is worth €60m, after the Spanish club initially offered €45m guaranteed plus a further €5m in add-ons. The new bid could also include additional performance-related payments.

Manchester City had initially insisted on receiving between €70m and €80m before agreeing to sell the midfielder. Barcelona are now waiting for the English club’s response, with confidence at Camp Nou that the latest offer could represent their final proposal.

Rodri has already agreed to join Barcelona, having given his approval to the move last week. That decision opened negotiations between the two clubs, with Barcelona gradually improving their offer as Manchester City maintained its financial demands.

The midfielder’s position is regarded as an important advantage for Barcelona. Rodri has rejected the possibility of staying at Manchester City or moving to Real Madrid, and has instead chosen Barcelona’s sporting project.

Rodri has one season remaining on his Manchester City contract, which runs until 30 June 2027. Barcelona believe that selling him this summer would allow Manchester City to secure a transfer fee rather than risk losing him for nothing in 2027. The Catalan club hopes that prospect will persuade City to reduce its asking price.

Barcelona are approaching the negotiations with a degree of calm because they believe the player’s preference could ultimately prove decisive. Reports suggest Rodri was attracted to the move primarily for sporting reasons and is convinced by Barcelona’s style of play.

The player is expected to return to Manchester City training on Friday under new manager Enzo Maresca. Barcelona would prefer the transfer to be resolved before Rodri reaches that point, although discussions between the two clubs remain ongoing.

Manchester City, meanwhile, continues to expect Rodri to report for training on Friday, in line with statements from Maresca. However, it has not been ruled out that the club could allow him to stay away from the session to give the negotiations more time to progress.

A similar arrangement was used in the case of Ferran Torres, when he was given permission to miss training while discussions over his move developed. Barcelona hope a comparable decision could help the parties reach an agreement and complete Rodri’s transfer.

City also recognise that Maresca cannot build his plans for the new season around a player who may leave. The club is also keen to avoid ending its relationship with one of its leading figures on poor terms.

Rodri played a major role in Manchester City’s success in the UEFA Champions League and scored the winning goal in the 2023 final. His contribution means the club does not want his departure to be handled badly, even though its priority remains securing suitable financial compensation.

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick wants the deal completed quickly so he can settle his squad before the start of La Liga. He is hoping Rodri will join the team within the next few days and begin preparations for the new season.