Manchester City have firmly rejected Barcelona's opening proposal for Rodri, deeming the figure offered far below what they consider the player's true market value. The Catalan side initially put forward a sum estimated at around £40 million, a number that City finds insufficient for a midfielder of Rodri's calibre, especially given that the 30‑year‑old is entering the final year of his current contract.
Manchester City are now demanding a fee in excess of £60 million to part with the Spanish international, a price they believe reflects his importance to the squad and his recent performances on the world stage. As a result of this impasse, negotiations have stalled for the moment. However, Barcelona are not prepared to abandon their pursuit. Sources close to the club say that a revised offer is being prepared and will be submitted in the coming days, indicating that the Spanish giants remain keen to secure the services of the World Cup‑winning captain.
In Spain, it is widely reported that Rodri himself would favour a move to Barcelona over a potential switch to Real Madrid, adding another layer of intrigue to the transfer saga. City, on the other hand, have made it clear that they have no intention of selling their midfield lynchpin unless the player explicitly requests a departure. The club is actively working on a new contract for Rodri, hoping to lock him down for several more seasons. Should Rodri decide to leave, Manchester City have signalled they would not stand in his way, but they would prefer to retain him and continue to build around his unique skill set.
While the Rodri situation remains unresolved, Manchester City are also evaluating possible replacements. Sky Italy has reported that Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández is a "dream" target for City manager Enzo Maresca. Earlier this summer, Sky Sports News confirmed that Fernández was not a priority for City at that time, as the primary focus was on keeping Rodri.
The fluid nature of the transfer market means that circumstances could shift quickly; if Rodri eventually moves to Barcelona, City might look to bring in both Fernández and another midfielder to fill the void. Fernández, who recently helped Argentina reach the World Cup final, is expected to return to Chelsea training next week. Despite a contract that runs until 2032 and a valuation of roughly £120 million, his future at Stamford Bridge remains uncertain. He was omitted from two matches in April after expressing a desire to live in Madrid, an apology later followed from both the player and his agent, along with a request for improved terms at Chelsea.
Real Madrid have publicly denied any interest in signing Fernández, though the Argentine has enjoyed a strong working relationship with Maresca from the manager's time at Chelsea. Former football pundit Jamie Carragher weighed in on the situation, questioning the logic of a £40‑50 million price tag for a player of Rodri's stature.
Carragher argued that City would be better off keeping him for another year, noting that Rodri has been one of the best midfielders in the Premier League, especially after his standout performances at the World Cup. He highlighted Rodri's partnership with Bernardo Silva in the latter half of the season, which nearly propelled City to the title, and suggested that losing such a player would be a significant blow.
Carragher also pointed out that City paid £60 million for Rodri, so accepting £40 million now would not provide the club with a substantial financial boost. Laura Hunter of Sky Sports echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that despite his age and recent injury record, Rodri remains the most complete central midfielder to have played in the Premier League over the past five years.
She quoted Pep Guardiola, who described Rodri as "the best midfielder in the world by far." Under Guardiola's system, Rodri was the fulcrum of City's in‑play strategy, dictating tempo, handling tight‑space possession, and controlling matches for both club and country. Hunter noted that City’s failure to retain the Premier League crown in the seasons when Rodri was sidelined by injury underscores his importance.
Looking ahead, the question arises: how will City replace Rodri if he departs? One potential answer lies in the emergence of Elliot Anderson. The 23‑year‑old England international has shown promise as a box‑to‑box midfielder, posting numbers that suggest he could develop into a player capable of filling a similar role. While Anderson is not yet the commanding presence of Rodri, his growth trajectory indicates he could become a viable surrogate, especially as City continue to nurture young talent.
In summary, Manchester City have turned down Barcelona's initial £40 million bid for Rodri, seeking a fee north of £60 million. Negotiations are paused, but a fresh offer from Barcelona is expected soon. City remain eager to retain Rodri, though they would respect his wishes should he decide to leave.
Meanwhile, the club is monitoring potential replacements, with Enzo Fernández and Elliot Anderson featuring prominently in their plans. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Rodri stays at the Etihad, moves to Barcelona, or perhaps sparks a broader reshuffle in City's midfield roster.