Barcelona are preparing to make a formal approach to Manchester City for the services of midfielder Rodri, hoping they can out‑maneuver their domestic rivals and secure the Spain captain’s signature, according to sources at Sky Sports News. The World Cup‑winning Spaniard, who captains the national side, is in the final year of his contract with City, making him a prime target for both La Liga powerhouses.
Sky Sports reports that Real Madrid have already opened negotiations with City as early as last week, indicating a willingness to meet a £50 million valuation. Barcelona, meanwhile, have received fresh encouragement that their chances of landing the player have improved, especially after Rodri’s recent injury setback, which has temporarily reduced his immediate impact at the Etihad.
Over the past 24 hours, the Catalan club has intensified its pursuit, signalling a genuine intent to make a serious bid. City, however, are reluctant to part with their pivotal midfielder.
Club officials are keen to persuade Rodri to sign a new long‑term deal, hoping he will remain a cornerstone of the squad as the team transitions into the next era under the stewardship of new head coach Enzo Maresca. Rodri is currently recuperating from successful back surgery performed after the World Cup, and medical updates suggest he will miss the upcoming Community Shield clash with Arsenal as well as the opening Premier League fixture of the season. In the background of the transfer saga, Real Madrid’s president Florentino Pérez has faced criticism following his re‑election, with pundits pointing out the limited representation of Spanish players in the club’s World Cup squad. The criticism has added an extra layer of urgency to Madrid’s desire to strengthen the side, particularly in midfield, where they have already secured the signing of Marc Cucurella from Chelsea.
Club insiders say the consensus is that a move for Rodri would be a logical next step, and Madrid are reportedly weighing whether to raise their initial offer to outbid Barcelona. Former player and analyst Jamie Carragher of Sky Sports weighed in on the financial aspect, questioning the logic of City selling a player of Rodri’s calibre for a figure in the £40‑50 million range.
Carragher argued that, given the £60 million fee City originally paid, a resale at a lower price would not make sense unless the club received an extraordinary proposition. He highlighted Rodri’s importance, noting his performances at the World Cup and his partnership with Bernardo Silva that nearly propelled City to the league title in the previous season.
Carragher also pointed out that losing Rodri would create a significant void, especially after the departure of Silva to Real Madrid, leaving only young prospects like Elliot Anderson to fill the gap. Laura Hunter, also of Sky Sports, praised Rodri’s qualities, describing him as the most complete central midfielder to have played in the Premier League over the last five years.
She quoted Pep Guardiola, who has called Rodri "the best midfielder in the world by far," and explained how City’s tactical setup under Guardiola revolved around his ability to dictate tempo, retain possession in tight spaces, and control the flow of the game. Hunter emphasized that Rodri’s absence due to injury was a key factor in City’s failure to retain the Premier League crown in the seasons when he was sidelined.
The question now facing both Barcelona and Real Madrid is how to replace a player of Rodri’s stature if they are unable to secure his services. Barcelona have a number of promising midfield options, but none match Rodri’s blend of defensive solidity, passing range, and leadership.
Real Madrid, on the other hand, have begun to look at younger English talent Elliot Anderson as a potential long‑term project. Anderson, at 23, is already showing signs of becoming a box‑to‑box midfielder capable of contributing both offensively and defensively, though he is still a step away from the dominance Rodri displays. Both clubs are also mindful of the broader financial landscape. The Premier League’s recent transfer market volatility means that clubs must balance ambition with fiscal prudence.
For City, retaining Rodri would mean continuing to invest in a player who is central to their playing philosophy, while for Barcelona and Madrid, spending £50 million or more on a midfielder with a year left on his contract represents a significant commitment. In summary, the race for Rodri is heating up as the transfer window approaches.
Barcelona are hopeful that their renewed interest, combined with the player’s current injury situation, will give them an edge over Real Madrid. City, meanwhile, are determined to keep their midfield lynchpin, hoping to convince him to extend his stay and help usher in a new chapter under Maresca. The outcome will have major implications for the balance of power in both La Liga and the Premier League, and fans of all three clubs will be watching closely to see where the Spanish captain ultimately lands.