Barcelona test Manchester City’s resolve with new Rodri offer

Barcelona have made a new verbal proposal worth €60m plus add-ons for Manchester City midfielder Rodri, but the Premier League club are holding out for a fee of €80m.

Talks over a possible move for the Spain international during the current summer transfer window remain ongoing, with the two clubs yet to reach an agreement.

A number of media reports have suggested Rodri is increasingly likely to join Barcelona. However, Manchester City are not prepared to let one of their key players leave without securing a significant transfer fee.

Rodri’s contract with Manchester City runs until the summer of 2027. That means this transfer window represents the English club’s final opportunity to receive a substantial financial return from his sale, should the two parties remain unable to agree a contract extension.

Barcelona are seeking to take advantage of the midfielder entering the final year of his deal next summer. The Catalan club are also encouraged by reports that Rodri wants to leave Manchester City, factors they believe could help them complete the transfer.

Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, who specialises in transfer news, reported that Barcelona have submitted a fresh verbal offer of €60m, with additional payments included, for Rodri.

Writing on his official X account, Romano said Manchester City continue to insist on a valuation of €80m for the midfielder.

Despite the difference between the two proposals, Barcelona remain confident they can complete the deal. Romano said a compromise between the clubs’ positions could provide the best solution, with the structure and value of the add-ons likely to be a crucial part of any agreement.

The negotiations therefore continue with Barcelona attempting to bridge a €20m gap between their latest offer and Manchester City’s asking price. No agreement has yet been reached, and the English club remain determined to protect their valuation of Rodri.

Rodri is under contract at Manchester City until 2027, but Barcelona’s interest has created continued uncertainty over his future. The club are hoping his contract situation and reported desire to move on will work in their favour as they pursue an agreement.

The Spain captain was also one of the most important players in his country’s World Cup triumph in 2026. He was subsequently named the tournament’s best player, further underlining his standing at international level and the significance of the transfer negotiations for both clubs.

For now, Barcelona must decide whether to improve their proposal, while Manchester City must determine whether their €80m valuation can be maintained during discussions over a potential deal.