Rodri transfer talks gather pace as Barcelona plan improved offer to Manchester City

Barcelona are preparing an improved proposal for Rodri after Manchester City rejected an opening offer for the midfielder, although the proposed transfer has not yet been completed.

Radio Catalonia 1 reported on Friday that Barcelona and Manchester City had reached an agreement over the main terms of a deal worth 50m euros for Rodri. However, transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano said the move had not been finalised and that further negotiations were still required.

Barcelona’s initial proposal was understood to be worth 45m euros, with a further 5m euros available in potential add-ons. Manchester City turned down that offer, prompting Barcelona to work on a new bid.

Despite the opening rejection, Barcelona remain highly confident that they can complete the signing. Romano said the Catalan club had no concerns about the situation and expected to continue discussions with Manchester City.

Writing on X, Romano said: “Barcelona are very confident to get the Rodri deal done. There’s no concern after the first bid was rejected by Manchester City.”

He added: “Barcelona will send a new official bid, while Rodri told Manchester City respectfully: ‘I want to leave’.”

Romano concluded: “Barcelona will submit a higher bid than the rejected one, and all parties believe the deal can be completed soon.”

The latest development suggests the proposed move is progressing, but an agreement has yet to be formally concluded. Barcelona must now submit their revised offer after Manchester City rejected the first package.

Rodri’s reported desire to leave has also become a central part of the negotiations. According to Romano, the midfielder has directly informed Manchester City of his position, while doing so respectfully.

The two clubs are therefore expected to remain in contact as Barcelona attempt to bridge the gap between their initial bid and Manchester City’s requirements. The new proposal will be higher than the offer already turned down and is intended to advance talks towards an agreement.

Earlier reports that the clubs had settled the main terms of a 50m-euro transfer indicated that negotiations had reached an advanced stage. Romano’s update, however, made clear that the deal was not yet done.

With Barcelona confident of reaching a conclusion, and with Rodri having communicated his wish to depart, all parties are said to believe that the transfer could be completed in the near future. For now, though, the next significant step is Barcelona’s formal improved offer to Manchester City.