Manchester City have once again dismissed Barcelona's latest attempt to secure the services of their midfield lynchpin, Rodri, despite the Catalan club upping their proposal to a figure that still falls short of the English side's valuation. The latest offer, reportedly in the region of £55 million, was turned down on Wednesday, adding another chapter to a protracted negotiation that began last week when Barcelona initially tabled a bid hovering around £40 million. That first offer was promptly rejected, prompting the Spanish giants to reassess their position and come back with a higher figure, estimated to sit between £50 million and £60 million. Even with this increased amount, City remain unconvinced, insisting that the midfielder's market value sits comfortably above £60 million.
Rodri, now 30, is entering the final year of his contract with Manchester City, and the club has signaled a clear desire to retain the World Cup‑winning Spaniard. Sources close to the club have indicated that City are prepared to offer a new deal to keep him at the Etihad, but they have also made it clear that should the player decide to move on, they will not stand in his way.
The English side's stance reflects a broader strategy of maintaining a strong core in midfield while also navigating the financial realities of a busy transfer window. In parallel with the Rodri saga, Manchester City have confirmed the completion of a separate deal involving Dutch midfielder Tijjani Reijnders.
The 23‑year‑old, who arrived from AC Milan last summer, has agreed to join Saudi Pro League side Al Qadsiah for a fee reported to be around £51 million. Reijnders' departure marks another significant exit for City this summer, joining the list of players who have left the club, such as James Trafford and Nathan Ake, the latter moving to Turkey. The cumulative effect of these sales means City have generated well over £100 million in incoming transfer funds during this window, a cash influx that could prove pivotal in shaping their next moves. The simultaneous loss of two central midfielders raises questions about the club's depth in that area.
However, City appear to have already identified potential replacements. Reports suggest they are monitoring Enzo Fernández, the Argentine playmaker currently with Chelsea, as well as Ayyoub Bouaddi, a promising talent from Lille.
Chelsea have reportedly set a deadline of Friday 5 p.m. for City to match a £120 million bid for Fernández, indicating the high stakes involved. Meanwhile, discussions with Lille regarding Bouaddi continue, highlighting City’s intent to refresh their midfield roster with both established and emerging talent. James Savundra of Sky Sports News provided insight into the financial dynamics at play.
He noted that the Reijnders transaction, combined with other smaller sales, positions Manchester City in a stronger negotiating stance, giving them greater flexibility to spend in the upcoming window. "If they do get big money for Rodri, you match up £70 million with £50 million and that gets you to £120 million – which is what Chelsea want for Enzo Fernández!" Savundra explained, underscoring how the club's ability to balance incoming and outgoing fees could shape their final transfer decisions.
Barcelona, for their part, remain undeterred. The Catalan club's determination to acquire Rodri reflects their broader ambition to bolster a midfield that has struggled with consistency in recent seasons. Should City maintain their firm price tag, Barcelona may need to either increase their offer further or explore alternative targets. The situation illustrates the delicate dance between club valuations, player ambitions, and the ever‑shifting market dynamics that define modern football transfers.
In summary, Manchester City have firmly rejected Barcelona's renewed £55 million bid for Rodri, maintaining a price expectation above £60 million while also working on a new contract to retain the player. At the same time, they have completed the sale of Tijjani Reijnders to Al Qadsiah for roughly £51 million, adding to a series of departures that have generated significant transfer revenue. The club is now poised to reinvest this capital, with interest in high‑profile midfield options such as Enzo Fernández and Ayyoub Bouaddi, while navigating competing offers from other top clubs.
The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether City can secure a new deal with Rodri, finalize any incoming signings, and maintain their competitive edge in both domestic and European competitions.