Barcelona’s Rodri pursuit now hinges on a four-year, €210m-plus package

Barcelona could face a total bill of more than €210m if they are to complete a deal for Manchester City midfielder Rodri, with the proposed transfer now looking far more expensive than the low-cost opportunity once anticipated.

Manchester City are reportedly demanding €80m to allow the Spain international to leave, despite Rodri moving towards the final stage of his contract. Spanish and English media reports say the Premier League club have already rejected two offers from Barcelona.

The Catalan club have offered Rodri a four-year contract worth €15m net per season. Once tax in Catalonia is taken into account, his gross annual salary would rise to about €34m, bringing the wage cost to approximately €136m over the full length of the proposed agreement.

That figure would come before transfer-related commissions and the €80m fee sought by Manchester City. According to Spanish newspaper AS, the combined cost of the deal could therefore exceed €210m.

The scale of the potential outlay has overturned the assumption that Rodri’s approaching contract expiry would make a return to La Liga almost free. Manchester City have shown that they are not prepared to give up one of their key midfielders simply because his current agreement is nearing its end.

Market value remains high despite contract situation

Rodri’s future has been a constant subject of speculation before, during and after the World Cup. His performances at the tournament helped increase both his sporting and commercial value, even as he entered the closing period of his Manchester City contract.

The situation suggests that the final year of a player’s deal no longer guarantees a nominal transfer fee. Clubs are increasingly determined to protect the value of leading players, even when their contracts are approaching expiration.

One notable previous example was Toni Kroos’ move from Bayern Munich to Real Madrid during the final year of his contract. That transfer was completed for about €20m, a relatively modest fee for a player of his standing.

Rodri’s circumstances appear markedly different. His value on the pitch and in the market has risen significantly, allowing Manchester City to take a firm position in negotiations despite the contract situation.

Real Madrid have also shown interest in the midfielder, meaning Barcelona were not the only Spanish club seeking his signature. The Madrid club reportedly presented an offer to Rodri, but the player chose the proposal put forward by Barcelona.

The decision comes as the two Spanish giants continue to compete for several targets during the current summer transfer window, despite the breakdown in relations between the two institutions.

Julian Alvarez adds to Barcelona’s financial challenge

The rivalry has extended beyond Rodri. Both clubs have also been linked with Argentina forward Julian Alvarez, with Real Madrid submitting a €150m offer to Atletico de Madrid for the player.

Alvarez had also been one of Barcelona’s targets. Atletico rejected Real Madrid’s bid, but the move from the Madrid club helped increase the forward’s market value and made a possible departure from Atletico more difficult than before.

Barcelona are therefore facing two potentially enormous operations: Rodri’s proposed move from Manchester City and the pursuit of Julian Alvarez. The report estimates that completing both deals could require around €500m in total.

Rodri’s choice has ended the possibility of him joining Real Madrid, a move that would have been welcomed by the club’s supporters. The Alvarez situation is different, however, because Real Madrid have already made a formal approach and received a decisive response from Atletico de Madrid.