Rodri targets Barcelona training return as Manchester City talks continue

Rodri wants his proposed move from Manchester City to Barcelona completed as soon as possible so he can join Hansi Flick’s squad when international players return on 12 August.

The Spain midfielder hopes to avoid losing valuable time adapting to Barcelona’s plans ahead of the new season and has told Manchester City that he wants to play for the Catalan club during the current campaign.

According to Spanish newspaper Sport, Rodri is currently holidaying with his family in Ibiza and has left his agent to handle the negotiations. Discussions between the clubs are understood to have made significant progress.

Barcelona were already aware of the player’s contractual demands and had an understanding of how talks with Manchester City might develop. Once Rodri gave his approval to the move, the Catalan club activated the necessary documentation relating to their agreement with him and submitted a formal offer to Manchester City.

Rodri has asked for the transfer to be resolved quickly because he wants to begin training with Barcelona’s other international players on 12 August. He does not want to waste time during the initial period of settling into the squad, particularly with the differences between the two clubs’ positions on the deal reportedly limited.

The 2026 World Cup’s best player believes Barcelona is the strongest sporting choice for the next stage of his career. That view remained unchanged despite interest from Real Madrid.

At one stage, the two parties failed to reach an agreement, prompting Rodri to ask his agent to tell Barcelona that he was available to join them. Barcelona then moved decisively to pursue the transfer and accepted the financial terms requested by the player.

Rodri remains highly regarded at Manchester City, where his professionalism has made him a popular member of the squad. The Premier League club is expected to make his departure easier, although it continues to insist on receiving what it considers an appropriate fee.

If negotiations progress quickly, Rodri intends to travel directly from Ibiza to Barcelona. He also wants to say goodbye to Manchester City’s supporters and staff when the opportunity arises.

The midfielder is in good physical condition and has almost recovered from minor back surgery. However, he will still need to regain match sharpness, as will the other returning internationals, before he is ready to play at full capacity.

He is expected to be in his best condition for a demanding season in which a high level of fitness will be required. Barcelona have also been given assurances that Rodri can be registered normally in La Liga.

Even so, his first appearance for the club could be delayed until September. The international players are expected to return without complete match fitness, while Flick is keen to avoid risking any player before they are fully ready to compete.